AB-2103 Would Require Training in Safe Handling and Firing of Handguns for Concealed Weapons License Applicants in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the Assembly Committee on Public Safety for passing legislation that would require applicants for concealed weapons permits to demonstrate safe handling and firing of handguns.
Under current California state law, it is legal for a person who has never fired a gun to carry a concealed, loaded handgun in public – despite evidence that shows that comprehensive gun safety training can meaningfully impact public safety. In California, before a person can carry a concealed handgun in public, they must obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon, and all applicants must show proof that they have completed a course in firearm safety training that includes instruction on firearm safety and current gun laws. However, state law does not require applicants to demonstrate an ability to safely handle and fire a gun.
Many localities in the state have addressed this gap in the law by requiring that applicants for concealed weapons permits receive live-fire training. This bill would preserve this local policy and its passage would make California the twenty-sixth state to require that a person undergo live-fire training before obtaining a permit to carrying a concealed handgun in public.
STATEMENT FROM DAVID BRAME, VOLUNTEER WITH THE CALIFORNIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I’m thrilled to see the Committee on Public Safety pass this legislation out of committee today. As a father, Army veteran and gun owner, I’m proud to see the committee prioritize gun safety in California. Although California generally leads the way when it comes to gun safety, our concealed carry training requirements currently fall short. While many law enforcement officials have stepped up to close this gap, this legislation would ensure that all concealed weapon permit holders in California are trained in how to safely handle, load, and discharge their weapons. If we are to continue to lead the nation in good, common-sense approaches to gun safety, we must require that potential concealed carry permit holders prove they can operate a firearm safely, and I urge the full legislature to pass this common-sense legislation.”