Two Gun Bills Authored by Senator Portantino Approved by State Senate Public Safety Committee

Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s proposed gun safety measures, SB 2 and SB 368, were passed by the California Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday.

SB 2 aims to enhance the state’s conceal carry permit laws to ensure that those carrying firearms in public are responsible and law-abiding citizens who do not pose any threat to themselves or others. Portantino authored the bill and Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta sponsored the bill.

SB 368 aims to expand firearm ownership prohibition laws and create additional responsibilities for commercial gun stores.

The bill proposes licensed retailers and law enforcement agencies accept and store firearms during a mental health crisis, and the Department of Justice to evaluate individuals who may need an extension of a 10-year gun prohibition.

In addition, gun stores are prohibited from holding “opportunity drawings” or raffles for firearms accessories.

Gun safety activists, including Moms Demand Action and Brady President Kris Brown, have commended Senator Portantino and called on the California Legislature to pass the bill without delay. Giffords State Policy Director Ari Freilich also praised SB 2, calling it a priority legislation to strengthen and standardize the qualification standards for carrying deadly weapons in public, ensuring public safety.