In California, to carry a concealed firearm in public legally, one must secure a valid (Carry Concealed Weapon) CCW Licensing, as mandated by state law.
Following the enactment of Assembly Bill 2103 and Senate Bill 2, individuals seeking a CCW license are subjected to stringent requirements, including:
- A minimum of 16 hours of training encompassing firearm safety, handling, shooting techniques, safe storage practices, legal transportation and securing of firearms in vehicles, understanding of laws related to carrying and using firearms, the legal use of lethal force in self-defense, along with mental health awareness and resources; plus,
- Completion of live-fire shooting exercises that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to safely handle and accurately fire the firearm they intend to be licensed to carry; and,
- Passing a written test.
Before the introduction of AB 2103, California’s regulations permitted individuals to acquire a CCW license without necessitating gun ownership or completing firearm safety training.
What are the requirements under Assembly Bill 2103 and Senate Bill 2?
Under Assembly Bill 2103 and Senate Bill 2, applicants for a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license in California must undergo a comprehensive training course before being granted a license. This training must adhere to several criteria:
- The training course must span at least 16 hours;
- It should cover topics including firearm safety, handling, shooting techniques, secure storage, legal transportation and securing of firearms in vehicles, regulations on where firearms may be carried, permissible firearm use, legal use of lethal force in self-defense, and mental health resources;
- It must incorporate live-fire exercises demonstrating the applicant’s capability to safely handle and accurately shoot the firearm they wish to be licensed for; and
- A written examination must be passed by the applicant.
For those renewing a CCW license, the required training mirrors the initial requirements but is condensed to a minimum of eight hours.
What is the reason for AB 2103 and SB 2?
Assembly Bill 2103 and Senate Bill 2 were enacted with two primary objectives in mind, reflecting a shift from California’s previous CCW license regulations:
- Enhancing public safety; and,
- Reducing the occurrence of accidental shootings.
The underlying belief is that mandatory basic firearms training for gun owners will lead to a reduction in accidents associated with concealed firearms.
