Concealed gun rules proposed

Bill would require training, live-fire testing for weapon owners to get permits.

SACRAMENTO — Gun owners would have to undergo specific training and pass a live-fire shooting test on a firing range in order to get a permit to carry concealed weapons in California under legislation proposed Friday.

The bill was introduced by Democratic Assembly members Todd Gloria and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, both of San Diego, who said county sheriffs can currently issue concealed-carry weapons permits without proof of proficiency, although some sheriffs have set standards.

“Under current law in California, a person who has never even fired a gun or received proper training on how to safely handle one can receive a permit and carry a loaded firearm in public,” Gloria said. “This jeopardizes public safety and has to be addressed.”

The legislation, AB 2103, would require permit applicants to receive a minimum of eight hours of training on firearm safety, handling and technique. The current law has no minimum time standard, Gloria said. The live-fire test would be administered to make sure that the applicant can safely handle and fire a gun.

The measure is supported by gun control groups Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action.

“We require people to have training before they can drive a car,” Gonzalez Fletcher said. “We should do the same for people who want to carry a lethal weapon in public.”

The bill was criticized as duplicative and unnecessary by Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California.

Paredes said applicants already go through some training but it isn’t necessary for many, especially former members of the military, to show they can fire a gun on a firing range.

“How many problems have occurred because someone didn’t take a test on a firing range? None,” Paredes said.