Anthony Portantino’s ‘Open Carry’ Gun Bill Signed Into Law
AB 144 Bans Open Display Of Unloaded Handguns in CA
Governor Brown today signed Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s landmark legislation banning the “open carry” of firearms in California – a bill supported by the California Police Chiefs and rank-and-file officers. The measure, AB 144, will outlaw the practice of carrying unloaded handguns holstered on hips.
“I want to thank Governor Brown for recognizing the importance of this public safety measure that will help reduce the threat to the public and to law enforcement,” stated Assemblymember Portantino. ‘Open carry’ wastes law enforcement time and resources when they could be out catching criminals or solving crimes. Instead, when officers are called to investigate the display of a weapon on an ‘open carry’ proponent, it takes their attention away from where it’s needed and puts folks at unnecessary risk.”
“We worked closely with law enforcement on this bill – both the California Police Chiefs Association and Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) – because they felt strongly that “open carry” is not safe and that someone could get hurt or worse,” said Portantino.
AB 144 makes it a crime to openly carry an unloaded handgun in any public place or street. Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1000.
Law enforcement personnel are exempt as are hunters and others carrying unloaded weapons under specified licensed circumstances.
California is one of many states that allow so-called “open carry” which gives gun owners the right to display weapons, though in California those guns must be unloaded. Carrying loaded firearms in public is already against the law in California. The dispute came to a head last year when gun enthusiasts began showing up in coffee shops, restaurants and public beaches with unloaded guns strapped to their hips. Bullets and clips can be attached to the same gun belt and easily loaded.
The ban on “open carry” will go into effect January 1, 2012.