A U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has issued a preliminary injunction requiring California to accept concealed carry permit applications from nonresidents. The decision marks a notable breakthrough in the neverending legal battles over the state’s restrictive concealed carry and other antigun policies.
The case, CRPA v. LASD, was spearheaded by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) in partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Gun Owners of California, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and individual plaintiffs. The ruling stems from a challenge to California’s refusal to issue permits to nonresidents and its excessive wait times and fees in Los Angeles County.
Strengthening the Right to Self-Defense
“This ruling reaffirms the principle that the right to self-defense doesn’t stop at state borders,” said Chuck Michel, CRPA president and general counsel. “California’s discriminatory refusal to issue permits to nonresidents was a clear violation of the Second Amendment, and we’re proud to stand alongside SAF and other partners to challenge it.”
The court’s injunction mandates California to accept carry permit applications from any U.S. resident who is a member of SAF, CRPA or affiliated organizations, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from firearm ownership. The order, issued on Jan. 23, will take effect in 90 days, which provides the State of California plenty of time to appeal the limited ruling.
“The judge ruled that as a SAF member, your right to carry a firearm for self-defense doesn’t stop at the California border just because you are a resident of another state. This is just one more benefit of being a SAF member,” says Alan Gottlieb, SAF founder and executive vice president.
SAF Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack emphasized the broader implications.
“It’s common sense that your fundamental right to bear arms does not evaporate when you leave your home state. We’re committed to dragging states like California kicking and screaming into alignment with the demands of the Constitution,” Sack says.
A Milestone for the Pro-Gun Community
The lawsuit, filed in December 2023 with a motion for preliminary injunction in January 2024, underscores the value of multiple gun rights organizations working together to protect and expand Second Amendment rights. It also signifies the growing strength of the pro-Second Amendment community in combating unconstitutional restrictions nationwide.
“This is a step forward for restoring and protecting the right to bear arms in California,” Michel added. “The CRPA has long fought against California’s unconstitutional restrictions, and this decision ensures that peaceable gun owners from other states can now exercise their Second Amendment rights while in California.”
