Victory for Gun Sense: California Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Governor Brown for Signing Legislation Requiring Live-fire Training for Concealed Weapons License Applicants

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Governor Brown for signing legislation that will require applicants for concealed weapons permits to demonstrate safe handling and firing of handguns.

Under previous California state law, it was legal for a person who had 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 did 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 legislation will preserve this local policy and today, California becomes the 26th state to require that a person undergo live fire training before obtaining a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

STATEMENT FROM WENDY WHEATCROFT, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE CALIFORNIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“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. We are thrilled to see Gov. 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.”

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMEMBER TODD GLORIA:

“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. 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.”