A recent court decision has partially halted the implementation of California's new firearm law set to take effect at the turn of the year. Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which establishes new rules for issuing concealed weapons licenses and public carry regulations in the Golden State, was clipped by a U.S. District Court injunction on December 20.
The ruling, from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, concerns two cases, May v. Bonta and Carralero v. Bonta, throwing a wrench in the works of gun control efforts, by preventing enforcement of the provisions that define "sensitive places" where concealed carry is banned. The controversial parts of the law, specifically Penal Code sections 26230(a)(7-13), (a)(15-17), (a)(19-20), (a)(22-23), and (a)(26) are primarily affected due to this ruling. However, come January 1, 2024, other facets of the SB 2 will move forward unabated.
Per information released by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the recently passed legislation's remaining components are still slated to go live with the new year. This includes rigorous background checks and residency verification for those applying for concealed weapon licenses through the county. The Sheriff's Department's Licensing Division has been tasked with processing these applications.
All individuals currently holding concealed weapon permits and pending applicants were supposed to have received notification detailing these changes. The department reassured the public, affirming its commitment to monitoring the ongoing litigation surrounding SB 2 and ensuring that permit holders are kept in the loop. The department's CCW website serves as a resource for those seeking clarity or updates on the current CCW licensing standards and required documentation.
