Governor Newsom Signs Gun Safety Bill SB 2 Authored by Senator Portantino

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 2 into law, a gun measure authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino who represents Pasadena and the 25th district in the state Senate. 

The bill, which adds to California’s concealed gun permit law allowing for “concealed carry weapons” or CCWs, intends to enhance public safety and protect the state’s citizens from gun violence.

SB 2 addresses the recent Supreme Court ruling that eased the acquisition of CCW permits. 

The law intends to ensure that individuals carrying firearms in public are responsible, law-abiding citizens who pose no danger to themselves or others. It sets a minimum age requirement of 21 years old to obtain a CCW license.

The provisions also include stronger firearms storage and training requirements, restrictions on carrying guns in sensitive public places, and due process protections for individuals denied a CCW license. 

“SB 2 is constitutional and consistent with the Supreme Court’s guidance in the Bruen decision,” Sen. Portatino said. “When SB 2 is implemented, it will certainly increase public safety and, I believe, save lives.”

Portantino also thanked Governor Newsom’s leadership and the state’s collaborative efforts with the Attorney General and grassroots activists across California to campaign for more stringent gun possession regulations. 

“Addressing gun violence is critical to protecting public safety; we cannot pretend that they are distinct problems,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said. “Senate Bill 2 will help prevent violence by ensuring that dangerous individuals may not carry concealed guns in public and prohibiting the carry of dangerous weapons in sensitive places where our children gather.” 

Senator Portantino has long been an advocate of gun reform policies. During his time in the Assembly, he authorized local governments to prohibit the open carry of handguns and rifles in certain areas. As Senator, he raised the firearm purchase age in California to 21. 

Most recently, he authored legislation aimed at preventing tragic school shootings and a major gun reform measure that offers a new tool to combat the rise in gun violence and save lives.