Firearms.

Existing law, subject to certain exceptions, makes it an offense to carry a concealed handgun on the person or in a vehicle, as specified. Existing law provides that firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of those provisions. This bill would establish an exemption to the offense for transportation of a firearm between certain areas where the firearm may be carried concealed, or loaded, or openly carried unloaded, as specified. Existing law prohibits, with exceptions, a person from possessing a firearm in a place that the person knows or reasonably should know is a school zone, as defined. This bill would additionally exempt a security guard authorized to openly carry an unloaded handgun and an honorably retired peace officer authorized to openly carry an unloaded handgun from that prohibition. Existing law, subject to certain exceptions, makes it an offense to carry a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city or in any public place or on any public street in a prohibited area of unincorporated territory. The bill would, subject to exceptions, make it a misdemeanor to openly carry an unloaded handgun on the person or openly and exposed in a motor vehicle in specified public areas and would make it a misdemeanor with specified penalties to openly carry an exposed handgun in a public place or public street, as specified, if the person at the same time possesses ammunition capable of being discharged from the handgun, and the person is not in lawful possession of the handgun, as specified. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any driver or owner of a motor vehicle to allow a person to bring a loaded firearm into the motor vehicle in a public place, as specified. This bill would expand the scope of that crime to include allowing a person to bring an open and exposed unloaded handgun into the vehicle, as specified. By creating a new offense, and expanding the scope of existing crimes, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would make conforming and nonsubstantive technical changes. 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.