BILL ANALYSIS
AB 719
Page 1
Date of Hearing: May 11, 1999
Counsel: Bruce E. Chan
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Mike Honda, Chair
AB 719 (Briggs) - As Introduced: February 24, 1999
SUMMARY : Deletes training requirements for a person applying
for a license to carry a concealed firearm.
EXISTING LAW
1)Provides that a county sheriff and police chief may issue a
license to carry a concealed weapon to a resident or person
who spends a substantial period of time at his or her place of
employment in the particular jurisdiction if he or she has:
a) Good moral character.
b) Completed a course of firearm training.
c) Demonstrated good cause for the issuance of the license.
2)Provides that new license applicants must show completion of
an approved training course that includes instruction on
firearm safety and the law regarding the permissible use of a
firearm. (Penal Code Section 12050(E).)
3)Provides that a training course may not exceed 16 hours.
However, the licensing authority may require a community
college course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer
Standards and Training up to a maximum of 24 hours, but only
if required uniformly of all license applicants without
exception. (Penal Code Section 12050(E).)
4)Provides that a concealed weapon license is valid for up to
two years, three years for judicial officers, or four years in
the case of a reserve or auxiliary peace officer. (Penal Code
Section 12050.)
5)Provides that a license may include any reasonable
restrictions or conditions which the issuing authority deems
AB 719
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warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place,
manner, and circumstances under which the person may carry a
firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (Penal
Code Section 12050.)
6)Provides that a person may lawfully possess a loaded firearm
in his or her place of business or residence. (Penal Code
Section 12031(h), (l).)
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS :
1)Author's Statement: According to the author, "Since AB 2022
passed last year, all concealed weapon permit holders will
have taken a course by year's end. Therefore, the need for
continued classes should be left to the discretion of local
sheriffs, particularly given the fact that many concealed
weapon permit holders are former law enforcement officials
proficient in the use of firearms. Furthermore, since no
classes are available in many parts of the state, AB 2022
created de factor elimination of concealed weapon permits by
the state in those areas since permit holders have nowhere to
take classes."
2)Statements In Opposition:
a) The Los Angeles County Sheriff states, "?Firearm
training is one of the most important criteria necessary
for being granted a license to carry a concealed gun?When
one considers that trained California police officers
themselves must attend an 80-hour course in firearms
training in order to carry concealed firearms off duty, it
is not unreasonable to require civilians to attend firearm
training to be afforded the same privilege. Keeping in
mind that thousands of persons are injured and killed each
year in accidental shootings and gun-related incidents, to
delete the training required to carry a concealed firearm
would be an alarming threat to public safety."
b) The California Peace Officers' Association and the
California Police Chiefs Association state, "?training is
essential since the issuance of a concealed weapons permit
allows a person to carry a concealed firearm in public
places. These public places may include bars, sporting
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events, crowded freeways, slow moving public lines-places
where the vicissitudes of living could cause a tragedy."
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
None on file
Opposition
California Peace Officers' Association
California Police Chiefs Association
California Psychiatric Association
California State Sheriffs' Association
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Legal Community Against Violence
Handgun Control
Sheriff, Los Angeles County
Analysis Prepared by : Bruce Chan / PUB. S. / (916) 319-3744