HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 02131996 - 96-66 Board of Supervisors
of
' Contra Costa County, State of California
IN THE MATTER OF CONCEALED WEAPONS RESOLUTION NO. 96/66
WHEREAS,more Californians die from gun-shot wounds than in car crashes, and 1994, Californians purchased an
average of more than 1,000 handguns daily.
WHEREAS,firearms purchases declined 31% from 1994 to 1995.
WHEREAS,In 1994,Contra Costa voters passed Measure P, a gun control advisory measure,by a margin of 73.4%
to 26.6%. Measure P stated that the State of California should"strictly regulate the sale and possession of all handguns
and ban the sale, manufacture,transportation and possession of all assault weapons."
WHEREAS,in states with tougher concealed weapons laws, studies have found lower incidences of firearms assaults
and firearms robberies. In contrast, a 1995 study shows that in states which have liberalized their concealed weapons
laws, such as Florida, Oregon and Mississippi,the firearm homicide rate has increased.
WHEREAS, on January 31 the State Assembly passed AB 638, which would dramatically liberalize California's
Carrying Concealed Weapons(CCW)law by reducing the discretion of local law enforcement officials in the issuance
of CCW permits.
WHEREAS,AB 638 would require law enforcement officials to grant concealed weapons permits to any Californian
who has not been convicted of a serious crime, is not a member of a street gang, is not a domestic violence offender
and has passed a test. Persons with long criminal records, but no serious criminal convictions,would still be eligible
for CCW permits. Persons with serious substance abuse problems, including persons convicted of driving under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs would be eligible for concealed weapons permit.
WHEREAS, AB 638 would allow persons with severe mental illness to obtain concealed weapons permits. Even
those who have been institutionalized would be eligible unless adjudicated by a court to be "a danger to others... or
a mentally disordered sex offender."
WHEREAS, AB 638 repeals the provision in current law which grants local jurisdictions the authority to place
"reasonable restrictions or conditions"on carrying permits. AB 638 would prohibit local communities from excluding
firearms from parks and public buildings.
WHEREAS,AB 638 is opposed by the California Police Chiefs Association.
WHEREAS,AB 638 must now be approved by the California Senate Committee on Criminal Procedure and the full
State Senate.
NOW THEREFORE,be it resolved that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Contra Costa strongly urges the
California State Senate, and in particular the Senate Criminal Procedure Committee,to defeat AB 638.
PASSED on February 13, 1996, by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors Rogers,Bishop, Torlakson and Smith
Noes -None
Absent- Supervisor DeSaulnier
IN Witness my hand and the seal of the Board of
Supervisors affixed this 13th day of February, 1996.
Je S air PHIL BATCHELOR,County Administrator and Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors
By
Deputy CWfk
CC: Health Services
CAO
RESOLUTION NO. 96/66/