Feinstein On House Passage of Concealed Carry Legislation

Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the House passed a bill to make it easier to carry concealed weapons:

“House Republicans yesterday passed a dangerous bill that would significantly expand the ability to carry concealed weapons.

“They advanced the NRA’s top priority in the wake of two of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history—before they’ve taken even a single step to prevent gun violence. It’s truly beyond the pale.

“This concealed carry bill would effectively allow states with the weakest gun laws, like Arizona, to supersede states with the strongest gun laws, including California. In our state, concealed carry is allowed only by permit of law enforcement—and that’s the way it should be.

“California has tight restrictions on concealed carry. Under this bill, someone who can carry a concealed weapon in Arizona without a permit would be able do the same in California, even though California has strict permit requirements for concealed carry. Republicans are all for state’s rights unless a state wants to protect its citizens from gun violence. 

“California law enforcement is uniformly opposed to this bill, which would put officers at greater risk and make it harder to keep our communities safe. We will do all we can to ensure this bill doesn’t see the light of day in the Senate.”