California tightens rules for concealed weapons, bump stocks

Californians will have to undergo at least eight hours of training, including live-fire exercises, before carrying a concealed weapon, under one of several firearms bills acted on by Gov. Brown.

The bill helps standardize the state's current patchwork requirements for obtaining concealed weapons permits. It was among dozens of bills that the Democratic governor announced signing or vetoing yesterday.

Current law allows sheriffs and police chiefs to require up to 16 hours of training before granting the permits. But there is no minimum standard and no requirement that gun owners actually demonstrate they can safely shoot their handguns.

Most sheriffs already have similar requirements, said both proponents and a spokesman for a gun owners' group. Most concealed weapons classes already span two days, with practice at firing ranges.

But supporters including major law enforcement groups say adding the minimal requirement is a commonsense step.

Brown also signed a bill making it clear that rapid-fire "bump stocks" like those used in last year's Las Vegas Strip massacre are illegal in California.