California Assembly Bans Open Carry of Unloaded Guns

Published on May 17, 2011
Duration: 13:05

This video discusses the California Assembly's vote on AB 144, a bill to ban the open carry of unloaded firearms. Ed Warley, NRA California State Liaison, explains the arguments made during the debate, highlighting concerns about the bill potentially infringing on Second Amendment rights and the lack of cited problems with current open carry practices. The discussion also touches on the discretionary nature of concealed carry permits in California and how this bill might push the state towards a 'shall issue' system.

Quick Summary

The California Assembly has voted on AB 144, a bill to ban the open carry of unloaded firearms. Opponents, including NRA State Liaison Ed Warley, argue the bill infringes on Second Amendment rights, lacks evidence of necessity, and may push the state towards a 'shall issue' concealed carry system due to the discretionary nature of current permits.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: AB 144 Open Carry Ban
  2. 00:25Debate Arguments: Constitutional Rights & Regulation
  3. 01:00Lack of Problems with Open Carry Cited
  4. 01:45Political Gesture vs. Self-Defense
  5. 02:26Impact on Hunters and Rural Areas
  6. 02:41Peruta Case and Shall Issue Implications
  7. 03:14Legislators' Phobia of Firearms in Public
  8. 04:08Discrimination in Concealed Carry Permits
  9. 05:33Bill's Path Through the Senate
  10. 05:52Second Amendment Rights Under Threat
  11. 06:22Open Carry as Political Defiance
  12. 07:09Comparison with Other States' Open Carry Laws
  13. 07:35Criminals and Open Carry
  14. 08:08Straining Law Enforcement Budgets
  15. 08:36Republican Proposal: Issue Concealed Permits
  16. 09:17NRA's Legal Briefing on Peruta Case
  17. 09:36State of Denial Regarding Firearms
  18. 10:05Call to Action: Contact State Senators
  19. 10:46Convoluted Exemptions in the Bill
  20. 11:00Parade Exemptions and Absurdity
  21. 11:59Hunting Exemptions and Public Roads
  22. 12:38No Need for the Bill: No Problem Addressed
  23. 12:45Concluding Remarks on Legislation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AB 144 in California?

AB 144 is a bill proposed in the California Assembly that aims to ban the open carry of unloaded firearms. The bill has undergone debate and votes within the assembly, with significant discussion surrounding its potential impact on Second Amendment rights and self-defense.

What were the main arguments against the California open carry ban (AB 144)?

Opponents argued that the bill infringes on Second Amendment rights, citing a lack of evidence of problems caused by open carry of unloaded firearms. They also contended that the bill's exemptions are convoluted and that it stems from a phobia of firearms in public rather than a genuine safety concern.

How does the Peruta case relate to California's open carry laws?

The Peruta case was referenced in the debate, suggesting that if California continues to deny concealed carry permits at the local level, individuals' only recourse for self-defense might be open carry of unloaded firearms, potentially leading to a 'shall issue' system.

What is the current status of AB 144 in California?

AB 144 has been voted out of the California Assembly. However, it still needs to go through the Senate, including the Senate Public Safety Committee and Senate Appropriations, before potentially returning to the assembly if amended.

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