Lawmakers Pass Open Carry Ban on Rifles, Shotguns

California lawmakers have sent a ban on openly carrying unloaded shotguns or rifles in public to the desk of Governor Jerry Brown. The measure follows a similar ban approved last year on openly carrying unloaded handguns in public.

Republicans strongly opposed the bill. Assemblyman Tim Donnelly argued many Californians are simply expressing their fundamental right. “They’re not criminals! Do not criminalize more Americans because they believe in the 2nd amendment!

Some rural Democrats didn’t support the measure either. But most other Democrats did, including Los Angeles Assemblyman Mike Feuer – who said openly carrying a gun is a threat to public safety.“Loaded? Unloaded? Nobody knows when the rifle is at the side of someone carrying it in public. Police chiefs support the bill. We should too," said Feuer.

The measure narrowly passed the Assembly after an hour-long debate.