A new bill that would make it easier to obtain concealed weapons permits is causing quite a stir. Some law enforcement groups are upset because, if the bill passes, they'd have no control over who can carry a hidden firearm, reported KPBS.
The measure in question is AB 357 (just like the name of the 357 magnum revolver cartridge).
The author of the bill is Republican Steve Knight of Palmdale, also a former police officer. He said that members of the public should have a better chance of getting permission to carry concealed weapons than they do now, according to KPBS.
Knight also said that similar measures passed in other states have not resulted in problems or crimes by permit holders. Instead, this measure would create a fair and equitable process for all applicants.
The measure is up against strong opposition from law enforcement groups like the California State Sheriff's Association.
"If's it's a mandated situation where every person who applies and meets the minimum qualifications for the issuance of cencealed weapons permits and the sheriff is required to issue them without any comment," said Jim Denney the Sheriff's Association executive director. "That could cause some problems."
Denney also says that sheriffs are qualified to determine whether people who apply for a concealed weapons permit are a risk to the safety of the public, reported KPBS.
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The bill gets its first hearing on Tuesday. Click here to read the entire bill.
