Portantino’s Bill Restricting Open Carry of Long Guns Passes

Following months of negotiations, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s landmark legislation banning the “open carry” of unloaded rifles and shotguns in cities, has been approved by the Legislature and now heads to the Governor for signature.
“I am very pleased that my fellow legislators recognized the importance of this bill to enhance public safety,” said Assemblymember Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). “This law will safeguard families confronted by rifle-toting gun enthusiasts and will shield law enforcement personnel from tense situations where they don’t know if the rifle is loaded or unloaded. The California Police Chiefs and other law enforcement groups have made this legislation a top priority this year, and I am hopeful Governor Brown will sign it.”
AB 1527 makes it a crime to openly carry unloaded rifles and shotguns in any public place or public street in incorporated cities in California. The bill does not affect rural areas or unloaded long guns inside a vehicle.
As in last year’s bill banning the open carry of handguns (AB 144), this measure contains specific exemptions for law enforcement personnel as well as licensed hunters and others. Violations are punishable by six months in jail and up to $1000 fine.
“We crafted this bill to apply to incorporated cities where carrying rifles and shotguns down the street is not only dangerous but is intimidating,” explained Portantino. “I had hoped that the earlier measure banning open carry of handguns would solve this problem, but instead, gun enthusiasts started showing up with their rifles and shotguns. Families should be able to dine in peace or walk down the street without worrying about being caught in the crossfire.”
AB 1527 is backed by the California Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, PORAC- Peace Officers Research Association of California and the California Police Chiefs Association.

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