Governor Brown Signs Gloria Bill Enacting Stronger, Sensible Regulations for Concealed Carry in California

SACRAMENTO, CA – The State of California officially strengthened its gun regulations today as California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 2103 — legislation authored by California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) that sets minimum training standards for applicants of concealed carry weapons permits (CCW). Beginning January 1, 2019, applicants for CCW permits statewide will be required to complete at least eight hours of training in addition to a live-fire shooting exercise before a permit can be issued.

“With Governor Brown’s signing of AB 2103, we are increasing public safety across California. We are setting consistent and sensible standards statewide for concealed carry permits to ensure weapons do not end up in untrained hands. To put it simply, California is being smart on guns,” said Assemblymember Todd Gloria. “This bill has always been about common sense. With my bill now state law, we will know those who receive a CCW permit have been appropriately trained. This makes our communities safer.”

AB 2103, co-sponsored by Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety in America, mandates applicants for concealed carry weapons permits receive a minimum of eight hours of training on firearm safety, handling, and technique. In addition, applicants would need to perform live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range to demonstrate proficiency in safely handling the weapon.

“Today, California continued its legacy of leading the country when it comes to gun sense laws by ensuring that concealed weapons applicants will be required to demonstrate that they can operate a firearm safely,” said Wendy Wheatcroft, volunteer leader with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are thrilled to see Governor Brown sign this public safety legislation into law, and are thankful to Assemblymember Gloria, and all lawmakers who supported this bill. Once again, California has taken action to protect our families.”

Current state law does not prescribe any minimum training standard. Rather, current law sets only a maximum training standard of 16 hours. In addition, there is no live-fire requirement under current law. This means an individual could receive a CCW with little-to-no training or without ever firing a gun.

AB 2103 was supported by the California State Sheriffs Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, Equality California, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and the California Federation of Teachers.