Firearms.

Under existing law it is a felony for any person who has been convicted of a felony to own or possess a firearm. Existing law, subject to exceptions, makes it an offense to carry a concealed firearm, or a loaded firearm in a public place, as specified, punishable as a misdemeanor, or based on prior criminal history and other circumstances, as a felony. Existing law makes it a felony or a misdemeanor to carry a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to openly carry an unloaded handgun in a public place, as specified. This bill would impose an additional and consecutive term of 10 years in state prison upon a person who was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a previous felony conviction, and who is convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, carry a loaded firearm in a public place, carrying a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony, or openly carrying an unloaded firearm in a public place, if the offender has specified prior convictions or if at the time of the violation the offender was on supervised release, free on bail, awaiting sentencing, or subject to a felony arrest warrant, was in felonious possession of a controlled substance, or assaulted or battered a peace officer by means other than a firearm. The bill would limit the prison credits that may be awarded to a person sentenced pursuant to these provisions to not exceed 15% of the total term of imprisonment imposed and would require the entire term of imprisonment to be served in the state prison. By increasing the punishment for a existing crimes, 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.