CRPA/NRA Bill Package For 2012

The CRPA and NRA are sponsoring three bills this year:
SB 1367 Deer Archery Season Concealed Handguns
Author: Senator Fuller – R-Bakersfield

Background: Fish and Game Code Section 4370 provides that it is illegal for any person taking or attempting to take deer during archery season to carry, or have under their immediate control, any firearm of any kind. As currently written, section 4370 is in direct conflict with the provisions of the penal code that make exceptions for the following individuals to carry a concealed handgun: peace officers, honorably retired peace officers, hunters and fishermen while engaged in hunting or fishing, and individuals licensed to carry.

Because section 4370 excludes any person from carrying a concealed firearm it excludes peace officers, honorably retired peace officers, and persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun from carrying a concealed firearm while archery deer hunting.

Provisions of the fish and game code should not be in conflict with the penal code, and should not supersede laws regulating concealed carry of firearms as defined under the penal code. SB 1367 would amend Fish and Game Code Section 4370 to state that: (a) peace officers, honorably retired peace officers, and persons licensed to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to the penal code are permitted to carry a concealed handgun on their person while archery deer hunting, and (b) that they may not use their concealed firearm to take deer during archery season.

SB 1567 Firearms Waiting Period Exemption For Persons Holding A License To Carry
Author: Senator LaMalfa – R- Butte

Background: Current law requires a ten-day waiting period for individuals purchasing a firearm before they can take possession of the firearm. SB 1567 proposes to allow individuals who hold a concealed carry license to receive their firearm the same day it is purchased. The logic is that these individuals are already entered into the State Department of Justice database, and therefore should be given the benefit of going through the automated, federal instant background check conducted at the dealer’s place of business.

SB 1569 Waiting Period Reductions For Firearms Purchases
Author: Senator Fuller – R-Bakersfield

Background: Current law prohibits a dealer from delivering a firearm to a person within ten days of the application to purchase the firearm. SB 1569 would, instead, require a 72-hour waiting period. The current ten-day waiting period was implemented during the time when the State Department of Justice (DOJ) background checks were conducted by mail with the use of paper forms. Now the DOJ system is entirely automated and checks are conducted from a terminal at the dealer’s place of business. This bill will allow purchasers to benefit from the automated system and have the waiting period reduced to 72 hours.