The state Assembly today approved Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s public safety measure that would make it a crime to openly display unloaded rifles and shotguns on main street California.
AB 1527 makes it a misdemeanor for carrying an unloaded long gun in public, vehicle or street in incorporated communities in California and in unincorporated communities that meet certain criteria. The bill contains specific exemptions for law enforcement personnel as well as licensed hunters. It is a follow-up to Portantino’s bill last year banning the open carry of handguns.
“Open carry creates a potentially dangerous situation when police officers respond to calls from the public when confronted with someone carrying a rifle or shotgun,” stated Assemblymember Portantino. “It’s a bad situation for everyone – the police, the gun owner and innocent bystanders who could be injured by this risky behavior. In addition, it wastes time, money and attention when police have to roll-out and respond to these unnecessary calls.”
If AB 1527 becomes law, violations are punishable by six months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. The measure is backed by the California Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, PORAC- Peace Officers Research Association of California and the California Police Chiefs Association which refers to AB 1527 as “one of our most important bills in this session”.
“This bill just makes sense. Sooner or later, somebody’s going to get hurt. If you see somebody walking around a mall or main street with a shotgun, it’s pretty intimidating. It’s unnecessary and it is just going to lead to trouble. I had hoped that the earlier measure banning open carry of handguns would solve this problem but when long gun advocates attended a police fundraiser it became clear that there was more work to do. When law enforcement asks the legislature for help because of a public safety risk, I’m going to try to do my best to help them,” commented Portantino.