Update 09/06/2024: in Carralero v. Bonta, the Ninth Circuit has upheld the preliminary injunctions against the following carry bans (meaning they remain unenforceable) for certain areas. This is only a preliminary injunction; the appeals process continues.
SB 2 briefly went into effect, but as of 01/06/2024, it has been stayed, meaning that until the federal courts rule otherwise, the SB 2 restrictions are not in effect. This was part of the usual California and Ninth Circuit games that for a few days left legal concealed carriers in legal limbo. As of this writing, not all of the excessive SB 2 restrictions do not apply.
SB 2 essentially bans LTC permittees from legal concealed carry anywhere in the state except for some streets and sidewalks; seriously, this is no exaggeration. The law was intended as a spiteful Bruen revenge bill. The Ninth Circuit Court of appeals, the most liberal federal appeals court in the nation, first granted an injunction against the law, then on December 30th, stayed the injunction, meaning SB 2 went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Essentially concealed carry became illegal in California, permit or not, anywhere anyone would realistically go. The injunction against the stay was an abuse of the emergency order procedures but was reversed to allow the stay (placing SB 2 on hold) as of 01/06/2024.
SB 2 is tyrannical, utterly unconstitutional, and both California and the Ninth Circuit have disregarded clear precedent set in the Bruen case. California's and the Ninth Circuit's actions are illegitimate, despotic, and a disgusting affront to our constitution. In regard to gun laws, particularly daily self-defense carry, California's law should hold no weight in the minds of peaceable, armed citizens. While the US Supreme Court will probably eventually smash these laws back to the stone age, the reality is it's technically illegal to carry pretty much everywhere.
What follows are only personal recommendations:
1. Carry on an LTC; if you don't, that's your business. An LTC will give you a better legal defense, either directly under the law or in the minds of the police, prosecutor, judge, and jury.
2. Follow the 2023 (pre-SB 2) laws. Since the SB 2 restrictions are stayed likely to be eventually thrown out entirely, the previous "no guns" rules will likely be defaulted to.
4. If you get arrested or are detained, shut up and call a lawyer. Don't talk to the police.
Finally, you are responsible for your own safety. California has shown it is utterly hostile to your civil right to self-defense and the courts will not grant you redress from your grievances.
Update 09/06/2024: in Carralero v. Bonta, the Ninth Circuit has upheld the preliminary injunctions against the following carry bans (meaning they remain unenforceable):
1. Hospitals and medical facilities
2. Public transit
3. Permitted assemblies (like festivals and parades)
4. Places of worship (churches)
5. Banks and financial institutions
6. Parking areas and similar areas connected to those places
No guns zones in effect are:
- Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol
- Playgrounds, parks, and zoos
- State parks
- Casinos
- Stadiums
- Libraries and museums
And their attached parking areas
This is only a preliminary injunction; the appeals process continues.
