A bill introduced by a local legislator that would make it a crime to openly carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun in any public place or street was approved Monday in the State Senate.
The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents multiple local cities including Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Arcadia and parts of Monrovia.
The bill was approved by a vote of 23-15, and must go back to the Assembly for an amendment process, according to a Portantino press release. Assuming it passes there, it would then need the signature of the governor to become a law.
If that happens it will expand Portantino’s previous bill, AB 144, which bans unloaded handguns from being openly displayed in public.
The bill has the support of the California Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, PORAC- Peace Officers Research Association of California and the California Police Chiefs Association groups.
Portantino had the following to say about why he introduced the bill:
This bill just makes sense. Sooner or later, somebody’s going to get hurt. If you see somebody walking around a mall or sitting in a coffee shop with a shotgun, it’s pretty intimidating. It’s unnecessary and it is just going to lead to trouble. I believe reasonable Californians acknowledge that there’s a proper place for firearms. But, families should be able to dine in peace or walk down the street without worrying about being caught in the crossfire.
