By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Aug. 21, a federal judge barred California from allowing residents to seek concealed-carry licenses, squashing State lawmakers’ plans to restrict carrying guns in public.

The State Legislature tried to pass a new law in response to a 2022 United States Supreme Court ruling that blocked states’ limits on carrying concealed weapons. The ruling stated that government restrictions related to gun laws must be “consistent with this nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation,” referencing laws that date back to the formative years of the nation.

As a response, California enacted a law that banned carrying guns in schools, parks, libraries, and other “sensitive places.” However, the courts also blocked this restriction and set new requirements for licenses to possess firearms in public. Another restriction to ban out-of-state residents from applying for concealed-carry licenses was recently blocked by a federal judge. The judge argued that the restriction failed to meet the Supreme Court’s historical test.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office argued that California’s resident requirement reinforced the state’s purpose of allowing only “law-abiding citizens” to carry guns.

However, gun advocates, such as the Second Amendment Foundation, support the court’s ruling. The organization partnered with similar groups including the Gun Owners of America and the California Rifle & Pistol Association to challenge state laws and restrictions on gun ownership.

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Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation said, “Americans do not leave their Second Amendment right to bear arms at the California border.”

Although Bonta could appeal the court ruling, the state is yet to respond to the federal judge’s decision. Lawmakers supporting gun restrictions continue to back his in efforts to bolster public safety.

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