Firearms: concealed carry.

Assembly Member Ramos's concealed carry firearms legislation modifies California's licensing requirements by extending eligibility to spouses of registered firearm owners while implementing additional restrictions and verification procedures. The bill amends multiple sections of the Penal Code governing who can obtain and maintain concealed carry permits.

Under the amended provisions, spouses of individuals with firearms registered through the Department of Justice may apply for concealed carry licenses, provided they meet other qualifying criteria including age, residency, and training requirements. The legislation requires licensing authorities to verify spousal status through DOJ records or county sheriff consultation before issuing permits.

The bill establishes new disqualifying factors that prevent individuals from obtaining or renewing licenses. These include providing false application information, experiencing multiple firearm losses due to security lapses, failing to report lost firearms, and certain criminal convictions within the previous decade. Licensing authorities must conduct comprehensive background investigations incorporating character references, public records reviews, and restraining order checks.

Additional carrying restrictions limit licensees to two firearms at a time and prohibit carrying while consuming alcohol or controlled substances. The amendments maintain existing provisions allowing sheriffs and police chiefs to impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on concealed carry permits based on local conditions.