AB 2318: Gun-free school zone.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2018-03-15
Existing law makes it a crime to possess a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone. Existing law defines a school zone as an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school. Existing law, among other exceptions to that crime, exempts a person with a valid concealed carry license who is carrying the firearm described in the license in an area that is not in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, but is within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.
This bill would exempt from that crime a person who holds a valid concealed carry license who is carrying the firearm described in the license to, from, or in a church, synagogue, or building used as a place of worship on the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, if the person has the written permission of the school authority. The bill would apply other conditions to the exemption. The bill would also make technical, nonsubstantive changes to those provisions.
Existing law, the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995, subject to exceptions, prohibits a person from possessing a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone, unless with the written permission of certain school district officials. Existing law defines a school zone as an area on the grounds of a school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet of that school.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to those provisions.
(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995.
(b)A person who possesses a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (e), shall be punished as specified in subdivision (f).
(c)Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances:
(1)Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
(2)When the firearm is an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person and is in a locked container or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle. This paragraph does not prohibit or limit the otherwise lawful transportation of any other firearm, other than a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person, in accordance with state law.
(3)When the person possessing the firearm reasonably believes that he or she is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person or persons who has or have been found to pose a threat to his or her life or safety. This subdivision does not apply when the circumstances involve a mutual restraining order issued pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Family Code absent a factual finding of a specific threat to the persons life or safety. Upon a trial for violating subdivision (b), the trier of a fact shall determine whether the defendant was acting out of a reasonable belief that he or she was in grave danger.
(4)When the person is exempt from the prohibition against carrying a concealed firearm pursuant to Section 25615, 25625, 25630, or 25645.
(5)When the person holds a valid license to carry the firearm pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150) of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6, who is carrying that firearm in an area that is not in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, but is within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.
(6)The person holds a valid license to carry the firearm pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150) of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6, is carrying the firearm to, from, or in a church, synagogue, or other building used as a place of worship on the grounds of a public school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, the person has the written permission of the school district superintendent, the superintendents designee, or equivalent school authority, and subject to the following:
(A)A request for written permission may be denied.
(B)The written permission shall be valid for no longer than one year.
(C)The permission may be revoked at any time.
(D)A person is only authorized to carry the firearm on school grounds pursuant to this paragraph during the time of worship.
(7)The person holds a valid license to carry the firearm pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150) of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6, is carrying the firearm to, from, or in a church, synagogue, or other building used as a place of worship on the grounds of a private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, the person has the written permission of the school authority, and subject to the following:
(A)A request for written permission may be denied.
(B)The written permission shall be valid for no longer than the school authority specifies.
(C)The permission may be revoked at any time.
(D)A person is only authorized to carry the firearm on school grounds pursuant to this paragraph during the times specified by the school authority.
(d)Except as provided in subdivision (b), it is unlawful for any person, with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge, or attempt to discharge, a firearm in a school zone, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (e). The prohibition contained in this subdivision does not apply to the discharge of a firearm to the extent that the conditions of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) are satisfied.
(e)As used in this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Concealed firearm has the same meaning as that term is given in Sections 25400 and 25610.
(2)Firearm has the same meaning as that term is given in subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, of Section 16520.
(3)Locked container has the same meaning as that term is given in Section 16850.
(4)School zone means an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.
(f)(1)A person who violates subdivision (b) by possessing a firearm in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or five years.
(2)A person who violates subdivision (b) by possessing a firearm within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, shall be punished as follows:
(A)By imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or five years, if any of the following circumstances apply:
(i)If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by any provision listed in Section 16580.
(ii)If the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of Title 4 of Part 6 of this code or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(iii)If the firearm is any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person and the offense is punished as a felony pursuant to Section 25400.
(B)By imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or five years, in all cases other than those specified in subparagraph (A).
(3)A person who violates subdivision (d) shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for three, five, or seven years.
(g)(1)A person convicted under this section for a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (b) who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense enumerated in Section 23515 shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months, or if probation is granted or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that he or she be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(2)A person convicted under this section of a felony violation of subdivision (b) or (d) who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense enumerated in Section 23515, if probation is granted or if the execution of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that he or she be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(3)A person convicted under this section for a felony violation of subdivision (b) or (d) who has been convicted previously of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by any provision listed in Section 16580, if probation is granted or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that he or she be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(4)The court shall apply the three-month minimum sentence specified in this subdivision, except in unusual cases where the interests of justice would best be served by granting probation or suspending the execution or imposition of sentence without the minimum imprisonment required in this subdivision or by granting probation or suspending the execution or imposition of sentence with conditions other than those set forth in this subdivision, in which case the court shall specify on the record and shall enter on the minutes the circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be served by this disposition.
(h)Notwithstanding Section 25605, a person who brings or possesses a loaded firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or four years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision.
(i)Notwithstanding Section 25605, a person who brings or possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for one, two, or three years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision.
(j)For purposes of this section, a firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell, consisting of a case that holds a charge of powder and a bullet or shot, in, or attached in any manner to, the firearm, including, but not limited to, in the firing chamber, magazine, or clip thereof attached to the firearm. A muzzle-loader firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when it is capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinder.
(k)This section does not require that notice be posted regarding the proscribed conduct.
(l)This section does not apply to a duly appointed peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, a full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California, any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while he or she is actually engaged in assisting the officer, a member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of his or her duties, or an armored vehicle guard, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 7582.1 of the Business and Professions Code.
(m)This section does not apply to a security guard authorized to carry a loaded firearm pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 26000) of Chapter 3 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6.
(n)This section does not apply to an existing shooting range at a public or private school or university or college campus.
(o)This section does not apply to an honorably retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm pursuant to any of the following:
(1)Article 2 (commencing with Section 25450) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6.
(2)Section 25650.
(3)Sections 25900 to 25910, inclusive.
(4)Section 26020.
(5)Paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 26300.
(p)This section does not apply to a peace officer appointed pursuant to Section 830.6 who is authorized to carry a firearm by the appointing agency.
(q)(1)This section does not apply to the activities of a program involving shooting sports or activities, including, but not limited to, trap shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays, and pistol shooting, that are sanctioned by a school, school district, college, university, or other governing body of the institution, that occur on the grounds of a public or private school or university or college campus.
(2)This section does not apply to the activities of a state-certified hunter education program pursuant to Section 3051 of the Fish and Game Code if all firearms are unloaded and participants do not possess live ammunition in a school building.
(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995.
(b)Any A person who possesses a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (e), shall be punished as specified in subdivision (f).
(c)Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances:
(1)Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
(2)When the firearm is an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person and is in a locked container or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle.
This section vehicle. This paragraph does not prohibit or limit the otherwise lawful transportation of any other firearm, other than a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person, in accordance with state law.
(3)When the person possessing the firearm reasonably believes that he or she is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person or persons who has or have been found to pose a threat to his or her life or safety. This subdivision does not apply when the circumstances involve a mutual restraining order issued pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Family Code absent a factual finding of a specific threat to the persons life or safety. Upon a trial for violating subdivision (b), the trier of a fact shall determine whether the defendant was acting out of a reasonable belief that he or she was in grave danger.
(4)When the person is exempt from the prohibition against carrying a concealed firearm pursuant to Section 25615, 25625, 25630, or 25645.
(5)When the person holds a valid license to carry the firearm pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26150) of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6, who is carrying that firearm in an area that is not in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, but within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.
(d)Except as provided in subdivision (b), it shall be is unlawful for any person, with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge, or attempt to discharge, a firearm in a school zone, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (e).
The (e). The prohibition contained in this subdivision does not apply to the discharge of a firearm to the extent that the conditions of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) are satisfied.
(e)As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)Concealed firearm has the same meaning as that term is given in Sections 25400 and 25610.
(2)Firearm has the same meaning as that term is given in subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, of Section 16520.
(3)Locked container has the same meaning as that term is given in Section 16850.
(4)School zone means an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.
(f)(1)A person who violates subdivision (b) by possessing a firearm in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or five years.
(2)A person who violates subdivision (b) by possessing a firearm within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, shall be punished as follows:
(A)By imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or five years, if any of the following circumstances apply:
(i)If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by any provision listed in Section 16580.
(ii)If the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of Title 4 of Part 6 of this code or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(iii)If the firearm is any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person and the offense is punished as a felony pursuant to Section 25400.
(B)By imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or five years, in all cases other than those specified in subparagraph (A).
(3)A person who violates subdivision (d) shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for three, five, or seven years.
(g)(1)A person convicted under this section for a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (b) who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense enumerated in Section 23515 shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months, or if probation is granted or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that he or she be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(2)A person convicted under this section of a felony violation of subdivision (b) or (d) who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense enumerated in Section 23515, if probation is granted or if the execution of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that he or she be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(3)A person convicted under this section for a felony violation of subdivision (b) or (d) who has been convicted previously of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by any provision listed in Section 16580, if probation is granted or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that he or she be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(4)The court shall apply the three-month minimum sentence specified in this subdivision, except in unusual cases where the interests of justice would best be served by granting probation or suspending the execution or imposition of sentence without the minimum imprisonment required in this subdivision or by granting probation or suspending the execution or imposition of sentence with conditions other than those set forth in this subdivision, in which case the court shall specify on the record and shall enter on the minutes the circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be served by this disposition.
(h)Notwithstanding Section 25605, any a person who brings or possesses a loaded firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or four years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision.
(i)Notwithstanding Section 25605, any a person who brings or possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for one, two, or three years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision.
(j)For purposes of this section, a firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell, consisting of a case that holds a charge of powder and a bullet or shot, in, or attached in any manner to, the firearm, including, but not limited to, in the firing chamber, magazine, or clip thereof attached to the firearm. A muzzle-loader firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when it is capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinder.
(k)This section does not require that notice be posted regarding the proscribed conduct.
(l)This section does not apply to a duly appointed peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, a full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California, any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while he or she is actually engaged in assisting the officer, a member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of his or her duties, or an armored vehicle guard, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 7582.1 of the Business and Professions Code.
(m)This section does not apply to a security guard authorized to carry a loaded firearm pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 26000) of Chapter 3 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6.
(n)This section does not apply to an existing shooting range at a public or private school or university or college campus.
(o)This section does not apply to an honorably retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm pursuant to any of the following:
(1)Article 2 (commencing with Section 25450) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6.
(2)Section 25650.
(3)Sections 25900 to 25910, inclusive.
(4)Section 26020.
(5)Paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 26300.
(p)This section does not apply to a peace officer appointed pursuant to Section 830.6 who is authorized to carry a firearm by the appointing agency.
(q)(1)This section does not apply to the activities of a program involving shooting sports or activities, including, but not limited to, trap shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays, and pistol shooting, that are sanctioned by a school, school district, college, university, or other governing body of the institution, that occur on the grounds of a public or private school or university or college campus.
(2)This section does not apply to the activities of a state-certified hunter education program pursuant to Section 3051 of the Fish and Game Code if all firearms are unloaded and participants do not possess live ammunition in a school building.
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Date
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Status
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| Apr 26, 2018 | From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a). |
| Apr 24, 2018 | In committee: Set, second hearing. Failed passage. |
| Apr 10, 2018 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage. Reconsideration granted. |
| Mar 19, 2018 | Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S. |
| Mar 15, 2018 | Referred to Com. on PUB. S. |
| Feb 14, 2018 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 16. |
| Feb 13, 2018 | Read first time. To print. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 24, 2018 | Do pass. | Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Failed |
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| Apr 10, 2018 | Reconsideration. | Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
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| Apr 10, 2018 | Do pass. | Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
Date of Hearing:
Chief Counsel: Gregory Pagan
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr., Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:
Author:(Flora) – As Amended Ver:
VOTE ONLY
SUMMARY: Allows a person who holds a valid license to carry a concealed firearm (CCW) to carry that firearm to, from, or in a church or synagogue in a gun free school zone with the written permission of specified school district authorities. Specifically, this bill: Exempts a person holding a valid license to carry a concealed firearm from any prohibition against carrying a firearm to, from, or in a church or synagogue, or other building used as a place of worship on the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12 inclusive, the person has the written permission of the school district superintendent, the superintendent's designee, or equivalent school authority, and subject to the following:
- The request for written permission may be denied;
- The written permission to carry the firearm on public school grounds shall be valid for no longer than one year, or for the carrying of the firearm on private school grounds shall be no longer than the school authority specifies;
- The permission may be revoked at any time;
- A person is only authorized to carry the firearm on private school grounds during the times specified by the school authority; and,
- A person is only authorized to carry the firearm on public school grounds during the time of worship.
EXISTING LAW:
- Creates the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995. (Pen. Code, § 626.9 subd. (a).)
- Defines a “school zone” to means an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school. (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (e).)
- Provides that any person who possesses a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone is punished as follows: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subds. (f)-(i).)
- Any person who possesses a firearm in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, is subject to imprisonment for two, three, or five years.
- Any person who possesses a firearm within a distance of 1,000 feet from a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, is subject to:
- Imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment for two, three, or five years; or,
- Imprisonment for two, three, or five years, if any of the following circumstances apply:
- If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any specified crime.
- If the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm, as specified.
- If the firearm is any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person and the offense is punished as a felony, as specified.
- If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any specified crime.
- Imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment for two, three, or five years; or,
- Any person who, with reckless disregard for the safety of another, discharges, or attempts to discharge, a firearm in a school zone shall be punished by imprisonment for three, five, or seven years.
- Every person convicted under this section for a misdemeanor violation who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense, as specified, must be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
- Every person convicted under this section of a felony violation who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense as specified, if probation is granted or if the execution of sentence is suspended, he or she must be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
- Every person convicted under this section for a felony violation who has been convicted previously of any felony, as specified, if probation is granted or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, he or she must be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
- Any person who brings or possesses a loaded firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, without the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, must be punished by imprisonment for two, three, or four years.
- Any person who brings or possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, without the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, must be punished by imprisonment for one, two, or three years.
- Any person who possesses a firearm in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, is subject to imprisonment for two, three, or five years.
- States that the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995 does not apply to possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (c).)
- Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
- When the firearm is an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person and is in a locked container or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle.
- The lawful transportation of any other firearm, other than a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person, in accordance with state law.
- When the person possessing the firearm reasonably believes that he or she is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person or persons who has or have been found to pose a threat to his or her life or safety, as specified.
- When the person is exempt from the prohibition against carrying a concealed firearm, as specified.
- Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
- States that the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995 does not apply to: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (l).)
- A duly appointed peace officer;
- A full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California;
- Any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while he or she is actually engaged in assisting the officer;
- A member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of his or her duties;
- A person holding a valid license to carry a concealed firearm;
- An armored vehicle guard, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, as specified;
- A security guard authorized to carry a loaded firearm;
- An honorably retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm;
- An existing shooting range at a public or private school or university or college campus;
- The activities of a program involving shooting sports or activities, including, but not limited to, trap shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays, and pistol shooting, that are sanctioned by a school, school district, college, university, or other governing body of the institution that occurs on the grounds of a public or private school or university or college campus; or
- The activities of a state-certified hunter education program, as specified, if all firearms are unloaded and participants do not possess live ammunition in a school building.
- A duly appointed peace officer;
- Specifies that unless it is with the written permission of the school district superintendent, the superintendent's designee, or equivalent school authority, no person shall carry ammunition or reloaded ammunition onto school grounds, except sworn law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their duties or persons exempted under specified peace officer exceptions to concealed weapons prohibitions. Exempts the following persons: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (l).)
- A duly appointed peace officer as defined;
- A full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California;
- Any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making an arrest or preserving the peace while that person is actually engaged in assisting the officer;
- A member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of that person's duties;
- A person holding a valid license to carry the firearm; and
- An armored vehicle guard, who is engaged in the performance of that person's duties.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Author's Statement: According to the author, "AB 2318 would allow pre-approved individuals to carry their CCW's while attending religious services on school property. This bill recognizes the safety of all by ensuring that religious institutions have the ability to protect their congregation in a way they see fit while maintaining school authority.”
- Prior Legislation: AB 424 (McCarty), Chapter 779, Statutes of 2017 deleted the authority of a school district superintendent, his or her designee, or equivalent school authority to provide written permission for a person to possess a firearm within a school zone.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None
Opposition
None
Analysis Prepared by:
Gregory Pagan / PUB. S. / (916) 319-3744
Date of Hearing:
Chief Counsel: Gregory Pagan
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr., Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:
Author:(Flora) – As Amended Ver:
SUMMARY: Allows a person who holds a valid license to carry a concealed firearm (CCW) to carry that firearm to, from, or in a church or synagogue in a gun free school zone with the written permission of specified school district authorities. Specifically, this bill: Exempts a person holding a valid license to carry a concealed firearm from any prohibition against carrying a firearm to, from, or in a church or synagogue, or other building used as a place of worship on the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12 inclusive, the person has the written permission of the school district superintendent, the superintendent's designee, or equivalent school authority, and subject to the following:
- The request for written permission may be denied;
- The written permission to carry the firearm on public school grounds shall be valid for no longer than one year, or for the carrying of the firearm on private school grounds shall be no longer than the school authority specifies;
- The permission may be revoked at any time;
- A person is only authorized to carry the firearm on private school grounds during the times specified by the school authority; and,
- A person is only authorized to carry the firearm on public school grounds during the time of worship.
EXISTING LAW:
- Creates the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995. (Pen. Code, § 626.9 subd. (a).)
- Defines a “school zone” to means an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school. (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (e).)
- Provides that any person who possesses a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone is punished as follows: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subds. (f)-(i).)
- Any person who possesses a firearm in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, is subject to imprisonment for two, three, or five years.
- Any person who possesses a firearm within a distance of 1,000 feet from a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, is subject to:
- Imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment for two, three, or five years; or,
- Imprisonment for two, three, or five years, if any of the following circumstances apply:
- If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any specified crime.
- If the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm, as specified.
- If the firearm is any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person and the offense is punished as a felony, as specified.
- If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any specified crime.
- Imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment for two, three, or five years; or,
- Any person who, with reckless disregard for the safety of another, discharges, or attempts to discharge, a firearm in a school zone shall be punished by imprisonment for three, five, or seven years.
- Every person convicted under this section for a misdemeanor violation who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense, as specified, must be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
- Every person convicted under this section of a felony violation who has been convicted previously of a misdemeanor offense as specified, if probation is granted or if the execution of sentence is suspended, he or she must be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
- Every person convicted under this section for a felony violation who has been convicted previously of any felony, as specified, if probation is granted or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, he or she must be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
- Any person who brings or possesses a loaded firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, without the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, must be punished by imprisonment for two, three, or four years.
- Any person who brings or possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, without the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, must be punished by imprisonment for one, two, or three years.
- Any person who possesses a firearm in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, is subject to imprisonment for two, three, or five years.
- States that the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995 does not apply to possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (c).)
- Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
- When the firearm is an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person and is in a locked container or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle.
- The lawful transportation of any other firearm, other than a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person, in accordance with state law.
- When the person possessing the firearm reasonably believes that he or she is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person or persons who has or have been found to pose a threat to his or her life or safety, as specified.
- When the person is exempt from the prohibition against carrying a concealed firearm, as specified.
- Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
- States that the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995 does not apply to: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (l).)
- A duly appointed peace officer;
- A full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California;
- Any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while he or she is actually engaged in assisting the officer;
- A member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of his or her duties;
- A person holding a valid license to carry a concealed firearm;
- An armored vehicle guard, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, as specified;
- A security guard authorized to carry a loaded firearm;
- An honorably retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm;
- An existing shooting range at a public or private school or university or college campus
; - The activities of a program involving shooting sports or activities, including, but not limited to, trap shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays, and pistol shooting, that are sanctioned by a school, school district, college, university, or other governing body of the institution that occurs on the grounds of a public or private school or university or college campus; or
- The activities of a state-certified hunter education program, as specified, if all firearms are unloaded and participants do not possess live ammunition in a school building.
- A duly appointed peace officer;
- Specifies that unless it is with the written permission of the school district superintendent, the superintendent's designee, or equivalent school authority, no person shall carry ammunition or reloaded ammunition onto school grounds, except sworn law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their duties or persons exempted under specified peace officer exceptions to concealed weapons prohibitions. Exempts the following persons: (Pen. Code, § 626.9, subd. (l).)
- A duly appointed peace officer as defined;
- A full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California;
- Any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making an arrest or preserving the peace while that person is actually engaged in assisting the officer;
- A member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of that person's duties;
- A person holding a valid license to carry the firearm; and
- An armored vehicle guard, who is engaged in the performance of that person's duties.
- A duly appointed peace officer as defined;
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Author's Statement: According to the author, "AB 2318 would allow pre-approved individuals to carry their CCW's while attending religious services on school property. This bill recognizes the safety of all by ensuring that religious institutions have the ability to protect their congregation in a way they see fit while maintaining school authority.”
- Prior Legislation: AB 424 (McCarty), Chapter 779, Statutes of 2017 deleted the authority of a school district superintendent, his or her designee, or equivalent school authority to provide written permission for a person to possess a firearm within a school zone.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None
Opposition
None
Analysis Prepared by:
Gregory Pagan / PUB. S. / (916) 319-3744
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):