Firearms.

Assembly Member Berman's firearms regulation measure revises California's concealed carry licensing system and modifies restrictions on firearm purchases. The bill establishes new requirements for both resident and non-resident license applicants while expanding prohibited carry locations and adjusting purchase quantity limits.

The legislation creates distinct licensing pathways for California residents and non-residents. Non-resident applicants must now attest that their chosen jurisdiction represents their primary California destination and complete live-fire training for each firearm they seek to carry. The bill also permits licensing authorities to offer virtual psychological assessments or approve providers within 75 miles of non-resident applicants' homes.

For all licensees, the measure prohibits carrying firearms in an expanded list of sensitive places, including public transit facilities, schools, government buildings, hospitals, and places of worship. However, the bill allows transportation of unloaded firearms in locked containers on public transit and provides specific exemptions for law enforcement and security personnel.

The legislation temporarily increases the limit on firearm purchases from one to three within any 30-day period. This change remains in effect unless a court mandate in pending litigation allows the state to restore the one-firearm limit. Licensed dealers must verify compliance with these limits and post detailed safety warnings, including mental health crisis resources.

Additional provisions require licensees to report restraining orders, arrests, and relevant convictions to licensing authorities. The bill also modifies eligibility criteria for individuals with out-of-state felony convictions, allowing exceptions when convictions have been vacated or pardoned under specific conditions.

Local licensing authorities gain expanded investigative responsibilities, including reviewing publicly available information about applicants and assessing whether they present a danger to themselves or others. The Department of Justice may adopt emergency regulations to implement these changes.