Firearms: possession by misdemeanant.
If enacted, this bill imposes a statutory prohibition that means individuals who are convicted of a misdemeanor related to carrying a concealed firearm would be barred from firearm possession for ten years following their conviction. The violation of this prohibition could result in criminal charges that are punishable by imprisonment of up to one year in a county jail, a state prison sentence, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or a combination of these penalties. Such measures aim to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals with such convictions do not regain the right to possess firearms prematurely.
Assembly Bill 2618, introduced by Assembly Member Gabriel, seeks to amend Section 29805 of the California Penal Code, particularly concerning the possession of firearms by individuals with certain misdemeanor convictions. The existing law already prohibits individuals convicted of specific misdemeanors from owning or possessing firearms within a decade of their conviction. AB2618 aims to strengthen this prohibition specifically for those convicted of misdemeanors involving the carrying of concealed firearms, extending the same ten-year restriction on firearm ownership.
Despite its public safety intentions, AB2618 may face opposition from gun rights advocates who argue that the bill infringes on individual rights and does not fundamentally address gun violence. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the fairness of imposing a prohibition primarily on those convicted of misdemeanors, as it categorically denies their right to firearm possession based solely on prior offenses. The absence of a mandatory reimbursement requirement for local agencies adds another layer of complexity in considering the bill's implications for public safety resources and enforcement.