A panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court has ruled against California’s ban on concealed carry permit users being allowed to bring their guns to many places outside their homes. The decision follows an earlier federal district court injunction in December, which was subsequently overturned by another 9th Circuit judge.
The contested law, SB 2, came into effect on January 1, prohibiting concealed carry permit holders from bringing their certified firearms to most public places, including privately-owned establishments open to the public. The ban applied unless operators clearly posted signs indicating that license holders were allowed to carry on the premises.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern over the court’s decision, labeling the judges as extremists and advocating for common-sense reforms such as universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, and raising the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21. The Center Square notes that California’s concealed carry applicants undergo rigorous background checks, interviews, fingerprinting, and a state-certified full-day handgun training program.
The initial injunction against SB 2 was issued in December by a district court judge who argued that the law turned nearly every public place in California into a ‘sensitive place,’ infringing upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. The lawsuit did not challenge ‘sensitive place’ designations for school zones, preschools, public buildings, airports, or legislative offices.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta appealed the injunction ruling, securing an administrative stay through the 9th Circuit Court. However, the court’s decision to dissolve the administrative stay means that SB 2’s limitations on concealed carry are no longer in effect. The legal battle is set to continue, with the 9th Circuit scheduled to hear arguments in April.