Firearms: license to carry concealed firearm.

Existing law authorizes the sheriff of a county, or the chief or other head of a municipal police department upon proof that the person applying is of good moral character, that good cause exists, and that the person applying satisfies certain conditions or has been deputized or appointed as a peace officer, as specified, to issue a license for the person to carry a concealed handgun, as specified. This bill would delete the good cause requirement, and require the sheriff or the chief or other head of a municipal police department to issue the license if the other criteria described above are met. By imposing additional duties on local law enforcement agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.