It has been a busy past few weeks for California Governor Jerry Brown, as he has signed hundreds of bills that are before his desk. One of the more controversial has been one that prohibits Californians from openly carrying unloaded handguns.
By signing AB 144, it makes it illegal to to openly carry a handgun in public places or in vehicles, an act that is punishable by up to a year in prison or a maximum $1,000 fine.
Law enforcement officials across the state praised the move as they said the law would help to “promote public safety.”
Open-carry proponent groups, including statewide chapters of Responsible Citizens of California, said they are disappointed by the signing and are planning to challenge the law in court.
The law is scheduled to take effect in January.
Photo Credit: DrunkDriver, via Wikimedia Commons