The recent court ruling on the California Rifle & Pistol Association’s (CRPA) case brings mixed news for gun owners, particularly those in Los Angeles County.
The case, known as CRPA vs. LASD, challenged delays, denials, and other hurdles in the processing of concealed carry weapon (CCW) licenses by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and the La Verne Police Department (LVPD).
It also tackled broader issues like nonresident carry, recognition of out-of-state permits, high fees, and psychological exams.
Key Wins for Gun Owners
The court delivered a significant victory by granting relief on the issue of nonresident carry. The ruling means California must now allow nonresidents to apply for a CCW permit.
This is a crucial development, as it opens the door for gun owners who frequently travel to or do business in California but reside in other states.
The court ordered both parties to collaborate on how this should be implemented, which could set the stage for broader changes in California’s gun laws.
Furthermore, the court recognized that the right to bear arms includes carrying a firearm in public for self-defense and that excessive delays in processing CCW licenses could infringe on this right.
The court did not dismiss the possibility that an 18-month delay, like those experienced by some plaintiffs, might be unconstitutional.
This is a big deal, as it means that prolonged delays could be challenged more successfully in the future.
What Didn’t Go Our Way
However, the court stopped short of ruling that California must honor CCW permits issued by other states.
This means that, for now, Californians will still have to go through the state’s rigorous process even if they already hold a valid permit from another state. This decision leaves a significant barrier in place for those who travel across state lines.
The court also denied relief on two other important issues: the high fees associated with obtaining a CCW permit and the psychological exams required by some jurisdictions.
The judge ruled that the plaintiffs didn’t sufficiently demonstrate that these issues fall within the plain text of the Second Amendment.
This leaves these financial and procedural hurdles intact for the time being.
What’s Next?
For the Second Amendment community, this ruling is a mixed bag. On one hand, the recognition of nonresident carry is a win that could have far-reaching implications.
On the other hand, the court’s refusal to mandate reciprocity for out-of-state permits and its denial of relief on fees and psychological exams highlight the ongoing challenges gun owners face in California.
Are you going to apply for a California gun permit?
[H/T: CPRA]
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