CALIFORNIA, USA — A federal judge has blocked parts of California’s new gun law that was set to take effect on Jan. 1. This new law would have banned guns from being carried while concealed in sensitive places, among other new requirements.
The sensitive places include places of worship, amusement parks, zoos, sporting events, parks, libraries and hospitals.
State Senator Anthony L. Portantino was the writer of the bill, which was supported by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom.
“In its totality, it makes California safer, so I was disappointed the judge would rule before the bill went into place,” said Portantino.
The bill was California’s answer to the Supreme Court decision, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. It said new gun laws must align with the second amendment. For the California Rifle and Pistol association, it’s a win. Their president, Chuck Michael, releasing a statement saying:
"California anti-gun-owner politicians refuse to accept the Supreme Court’s mandate from the Bruen case and are trying every creative ploy they can imagine to get around it. This law was an attempt to make permits to carry a firearm to defend yourself or your family useless because permit holders wouldn’t be able to drive across town without passing through a prohibited area and breaking the law. The Court saw through the State’s gambit. As proven in the over 40 states where millions of people have these permits, we are all safer and criminals are deterred when law-abiding citizens can defend themselves."
Governor Gavin Newsom said the decision defies common sense.
“Defying common sense, this ruling outrageously calls California's data-backed gun safety efforts 'repugnant.' What is repugnant is this ruling, which greenlights the proliferation of guns in our hospitals, libraries, and children’s playgrounds — spaces, which should be safe for all," Newsom said in a statement. "California will keep fighting to defend our laws and to enshrine a Right to Safety in the Constitution. The lives of our kids depend on it."
Bonta said, while the ruling has impacted sensitive places, a majority of the bill still stands. That includes the age requirement of being 21 years old for a concealed carry weapons license, more training and a comprehensive licensing process.
“There’s more action to be had on SB 2, and there are certainly pieces of it that will be implemented on Jan. 1 and so, if ultimately the courts decide against it, we will certainly introduce something to rectify the situation. But I am also optimistic the lion's share of the bill will be upheld,” said Portantino.
The judge did not challenge the bill on not allowing people to carry in school zones, preschools, state or local public buildings, airports or any legislative offices.
Attorney General Rob Bonta immediately announced they will appeal this decision.
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