The following is a press release issued by the Office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta:
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, with Governor Newsom, Senator Anthony Portantino, and other legislative leaders, introduced legislation, Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), to strengthen California’s existing concealed carry weapon (CCW) laws in a manner consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. The legislation — authored by Senator Portantino and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom — would further protect the public safety of Californians by specifying who may obtain a CCW license, limiting the possession of firearms in certain sensitive locations, and advancing safety through stronger training requirements on the safe handling and storage of firearms. Gun violence remains a growing threat to public safety throughout the nation. On average, there are over 120 gun deaths each day and nearly 45,000 each year in the United States. In 2020, firearms were the leading cause of death for children nationwide.
“The mass shooting incidents we have seen over recent weeks bring to light the need for stronger protections for our communities,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The fact is, individuals who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens simply shouldn’t possess firearms — and they especially shouldn’t be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public. When a gun is placed in the wrong hands, it is deadly. The Second Amendment is not a regulatory straitjacket — we must protect our communities. The time for thoughts and prayers has long passed: we need brave and immediate action by our leaders — here in California and beyond. We owe our community stronger protections. I urge our state leaders to quickly adopt SB 2. We can’t afford to wait even one minute more.”
“Only in America do we see the kind of carnage and chaos of gun violence that destroys our communities and our sense of safety and belonging,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “America is number 1 in gun ownership and we far surpass every developed nation on Earth in gun deaths – it’s not complicated. In California, we’ve passed common sense gun safety laws and they work: we have a 37% lower gun death rate than the national average. We’re doubling down on gun safety and strengthening our public carry law to protect it from radical Republican attacks.”
“In the wake of the recent tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay and the continued threat of mass shootings, it’s critical that California leads on the issue of gun safety and reform,” said Senator Anthony Portantino. “I am proud to be working with Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta, and activists on SB 2 to strengthen our existing concealed carry laws and ensure every Californian is safe from gun violence. We must be diligent in addressing the gun violence epidemic in our country and concealed carry laws are a key component of this.”
“The Supreme Court’s reckless Bruen decision opened up the floodgates for more guns in more places — but with this bill California once again renews its commitment to being a national leader in the fight against gun violence,” said Shannon Watts, California resident and founder of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown’s grassroots network. “While the gun industry celebrated the ruling that put their profits over our safety, our grassroots army is proud to stand with our Gun Sense Champions in California to pass this critical bill and make our communities safer.”
“Following the Supreme Court’s egregious decision in the Bruen case, it is vital that the Golden State take meaningful action to protect all Californians from the threat of gun violence,” said Brady President Kris Brown. “SB 2 would do just this by updating and improving the state’s already strong concealed carry license system, and ensure that loaded and concealed weapons are not allowed in certain sensitive places. With SB 2, leaders in California are continuing their leadership in prioritizing the public health and safety of all its citizens. Brady applauds Senator Portantino for introducing this important bill, and thanks Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta for their continued leadership on this issue, and urges the California legislature to pass it without delay.”
“In the face of tragedy, California’s leaders act. They’ve led the nation on gun safety reform and made California a much safer state than most. But today, grieving communities know all too well how much more work there is to do,” said Ari Freilich, State Policy Director for Giffords. “California achieved an all-time record low gun fatality rate in 2019. But like the rest of the country, we have faced record spikes in gun sales and violence since the start of the pandemic and a flood of new weapons in public spaces as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s dangerous Second Amendment ruling last year. Passing SB 2 will strengthen communities’ ability to respond to these threats by requiring stronger vetting and safety training to carry weapons in public and by designating vital community spaces like parks and playgrounds as off-limits to weapons throughout the state. We thank leaders like Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta, and Senator Portantino for their work and commitment to make all Californians safer and freer from violence.”
In 2020, more Americans died by gun death than any other year on record. Although the United States is an outlier when compared to gun violence in other wealthy nations, states with strong gun violence protections in place see fewer gun-related deaths. Already in 2023, the United States has seen 43 mass shootings, including six tragedies over the past two weeks in California in Goshen, Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay, Oakland, San Diego, and Beverly Crest — dozens of lives lost, and still more seriously injured. Despite having one of the lowest rates of gun-related deaths in the nation, California is not immune to this uniquely American problem, and has a strong interest in maintaining laws that protect the safety of its citizens.
Research shows that strong licensing laws are effective. States that have weakened permitting laws have experienced an up to 15% increase in violent crime rates a decade after implementation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, California’s gun death rate was the 44th lowest in the nation, with 8.5 gun deaths per 100,000 people. California’s gun death rate for children is also lower than other states, and is 58% lower than the national average. California’s overall gun death rate is lower than that of every state that does not require permits to carry guns in public, including Mississippi with 28.6 deaths per 100,000 people; 25.9 in Wyoming; 28.6 in Mississippi; 23.9 in Missouri; 23.6 in Alabama; 23.5 in Arkansas; 21.3 in Tennessee; 20.9 in Montana; 20.7 in Oklahoma; 20.1 in Kentucky; 18.1 in West Virginia; 17.6 in Idaho; 14.2 in Texas; 13.6 in Utah; 11.6 in Vermont; 11.2 in Iowa; 10.4 in Maine; and 8.9 in New Hampshire.
While the United States Supreme Court has concluded that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution imposes some restrictions on states’ ability to regulate firearms, it has also recognized that the Second Amendment allows states to adopt a variety of gun regulations. For example, the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that states may restrict the carrying of firearms in “sensitive places” and that states may prohibit individuals who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens from carrying firearms in public. SB 2 builds on those principles and improves California’s existing CCW license law by:
- Enhancing the existing comprehensive licensing regime that helps ensure those permitted to carry firearms in public are responsible and law-abiding individuals who do not pose a danger to themselves or others;
- Protecting children and young adults from gun violence by setting a minimum age requirement of 21 years of age to obtain a CCW license;
- Advancing safety through stronger training requirements about the proper handling, loading, unloading, and storage of firearms; and
- Safeguarding the public by identifying certain sensitive public places where guns may not be carried.
The legislation may be found here.
Leading cause for death in children!! How fucking sad.
Keeping guns and nuts separate doesn’t seem like a bad idea. But the things are already everywhere.
It would be germane to the discussion to know how many of the senseless tragedies are committed by individuals who already have available permits.
Why are they going after the population who already follow the laws and do the right things to own a gun and get a CCW? Why is it always the law abiding citizens paying the price for the law breakers? Were the two recent shooters holders of CCWs? And what are the stats of CCW holders using their weapons for bad? I would really like someone to tell us that stat. Can you Matt? The focus should be on criminals, maybe keeping law breakers in prison for their full sentences vs early releases. Tougher punishment for those who break gun laws. Maybe go up stream for the cause of these shooters committing horrific crimes and start fixing those things. After all a gun is only one weapon of choice. Knives, cars, bombs, hammers, anything can kill if put into a killers hands. Why do they want to kill in the first place, what drove them there, why didn’t anyone pay attention to red flags and report them? And would anyone in authority listen if they did? The problem is far bigger than who should own a gun.
This additional law won’t help stop the types of shootings that have occurred and, if anything, will make the places the Gov and Atty Gen plans to ban less safe. Had someone had a CCW and firearm at the Montebello club, that shooter would have been stopped there.
If you honestly think this new law will help, please try to get your CCW.
The following are existing requirements for a CCW:
Each applicant must:
Be of good moral character.
Be a minimum of 21 years old.
Own a firearm, registered to the applicant, in California.
Resides within County Sheriff’s Department contract cities or unincorporated communities.
LIVE SCAN
As part of your background check, you will need to complete a live scan. This step is not required prior to submitting your application. You will receive instructions on how to complete a live scan at the time of your interview. To find your nearest live scan location refer to the Department of Justice website.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the live scan operator inputs all information correctly.
Applicant title: Concealed Weapon License
Application type: Standard CCW
Mail code: 11994
Applicant Information Section – to be filled out in full
Failure to verify the above information will result in having to complete a secondary live scan, pay additional fees, and delays the application process. ONLY use the below application:
After a thorough background investigation, the applicant will be contacted by the CCW Coordinator to proceed with firearms training from a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department approved Training Provider. Applicants should not complete firearms training UNTIL instructed to do so by the CCW unit. Applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course, per Penal Code 26165.
New Applicants must complete a training course lasting at least 8 hours but not exceeding 16 hours.
Renewal applicants must complete a training course lasting at least 4 hours.
The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, and laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm.
All firearms shall be inspected by the training provider to ensure that it is safe, operable, and in compliance with CA state and federal regulations.
Applicants must complete and pass a live fire course with each firearm to be listed on the license – LASD allows up to 3 firearms on applicant’s CCW license. When the applicant has completed their firearm training course, send a copy of the completed and signed Shooting Proficiency form and certificate of completion (issued by approved training provider) to CCW_Unit@lasd.org.
Handgun Requirements
Any handgun that the applicant intends to carry and have listed on their CCW license shall meet the below criteria prior to being used during their required firearms training. Failure to follow the criteria or failure to adhere to CA state and federal regulations will result in the immediate suspension and/or revocation of the license.
The handgun must be registered/DROS to the applicant.
The handgun must be concealable upon the person or reasonably sized bag or purse.
The handgun, magazines, and ammunition must be in compliance with applicable CA state and federal laws.
“AR Pistols” and similar handguns are not permitted.
the right to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED
this state and county are completely lawless with regard to that right.
firearms are tools like anything else.
you should see what can be done with a cordless drill.
Tools? The only usage as a “tool” a gun has is for hunting. What percentage of people whom own guns actually hunt? What percentage of guns in circulation are designed for hunting? When the 2nd amendment was written guns were a necessity. 200+ years later they’re just cool things people want. Guns aren’t a vital organ & the 2nd amendment is outdated!
if guns aren’t needed then what will you do when the perp comes knocking on your door? call PD?
when seconds count the PD is just minutes/hrs away. none of the 2nd A is about hunting. tell that to Suzanna Gratia Hupp. her testimony in this video has never been more pertinent than it is today.
“The men who wrote the 2nd A hadn’t just finished a hunting trip.
They had just liberated a nation.”
by unknown
I didn’t say to outlaw guns. That would be impossible in a nation with more guns than people. The obsession over & use of the 2nd A is ridiculous though! The forefathers were fighting for freedom. We are not. People of that era HAD to hunt & protect livestock from predators & family from perpetrators. Today we go shopping & can call 911 for help. Guns simply aren’t the tool/necessity they once were. Quite a racket though! Buy guns to protect yourself from people with guns. Thats a brilliant business model
“The forefathers were fighting for freedom. We are not.”
i would venture to say we are indeed in that very fight right now. the lawless government is hellbent on removing all of our rights. look no further than klaus scwab (brandon’s pall). “You will own nothing and be happy”. you all good with that fundamental concept?? i’m certainly not.
you folks in the righteous indignation category have been beating the anti gun story for years since US vs Miller case yet none of your “common sense gun laws” have solved a bloody thing. the bottom line is that you will never stop evil people from existing. you can only put them down when the need arises.
“Buy guns to protect yourself from people with guns. Thats a brilliant business model” what do you think cops do???? they most assuredly have 30 rnd mag AR’s and often full auto machine guns. what makes them more important than the average law-abiding citizen???
sadly, with the evil culture that you folks seem to all gladly worship and embrace, i would offer that guns are now more essential than ever.
i discovered this culture back in 81′ moving to NC.
“An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.” ― Robert A. Heinlein,
guessing your all good with talking sh*t and getting away with it.
It is fitting that the only sensible comments here come from “hopeless.”
Hopeless, that we would apply logic, reason, or context, to a discussion of the epidemic of gun violence, which happens to have something to do with gun accessibility and the preponderance of gun ownership (not to mention the collective psyche of country bumpkins held captive by the boogeymen.)
That the visceral, knee-jerk, misinterpreted, and ultimately, obsolete 2nd amendment platitudes prevail, tells us all we need to know about why such ruminations are, and will likely remain, hopeless.
Thank you for augmenting these comments with some actual thoughtfulness. I am heartened, in spite of others’ inability, or willful ignorance, to actually catch your drift.
Hopeless when was the last time you had to call the PD?? Do you live in the city or country??
I ask these questions because I have had to call law enforcement to help deal with a man who was using a bull whip and a camping hatchet to go after my dogs and they showed up six hours later. So what should I have done in that situation if he had came after me?? I know what I wanted to do!!
Then there is coyotes bears and mountain lions who like to go after livestock. Oh and small children if they get the chance. They may even get into your home or destroy your chicken coop. What am I supposed to do?
Oh call fish and game to help. Well that’s a joke they just tell you put up a scare crow and a radio and it will help. So do I stand there when they are coming after my livestock or even myself and tell them now now boy or girl this isn’t what we do?? It’s not nice to attack!
Let’s take a real look at this guns are for protection and we have a right to protect ourselves. This world is get more lawless by the day if you haven’t noticed. The ccw is just for control and to know your business. The government isn’t really trying to make it harder for criminals it’s making it harder for the law abiding citizens. Criminals get a pat on the back and told to move along. You can thank Newsom for that. Oh how about the cartel coming over the border do you think they aren’t coming armed?? Guess again and be ready cause they aren’t staying down south!
Get educated for the times and what is really going on in this world before speaking out!
#gunsdontkillpeopledo
#stopthegunnonsense
You are spot on Katy. 911 is government sponsored dial-a-prayer. A person nowadays has to look for themselves.
This is why the 2A is important. Hunting, recreation, self defense and simply because I like guns and collect them and have a right to do so. But here is the real reason the 2A exists and is so important.
“A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.”
George Washington
i like owning a legal gun and if i want to chase getting a CCW then me a good moral prudent citizen will be educated before even attempting. people who shouldn’t are the 83% of this country. you know your in the shit hole of a state where they can legalize the grow of cannabis but won’t allow good moral citizens to open carry to shopping centers. smh ! CALIFORNIA TO BE EXACT !