Concealed weapons.

Existing law authorizes the sheriff of a county or the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county to issue a license to carry a concealed firearm to an applicant for that license if the applicant is of good moral character, good cause exists for issuance of the license, the applicant meets specified residency requirements, and the applicant has completed a specified course of training, including firearm safety. This bill would require the sheriff or head of a municipal police department to issue that license if the applicant meets those requirements. The bill would also specify that good cause, for purposes of these provisions, includes personal protection or self-defense. Because the bill would impose new duties on local law enforcement officials who will be required to issue these licenses if all of the requirements are met, the 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.