California Legal Update | October 2017

Case Status: The case was filed on April 24, 2017, in response to Senate Bill 880 and Assembly Bill 1135, and challenges California’s entire “assault weapon” regulatory scheme as a violation of the Second Amendment, due process clause, and takings clause of the United States Constitution.

What's Next: Plaintiffs will soon conduct discovery and will file a motion for summary judgment.

Case Status: The case was filed on May 17, 2017, in response to Senate Bill 1446 and Proposition 63, and challenges all of California’s restrictions against standard capacity magazines.  On June 29, the judge granted CRPA’s request to stay enforcement of the magazine ban, which was set to take effect on July 1. As a result, the ban has been put on hold while the case is litigated.

What's Next: On July 27, the California Attorney General appealed the decision to issue an injunction to the Ninth Circuit. Briefing on preliminary injunction appeal is ongoing. Meanwhile, the case progresses on the merits in the district court.

Case Status: The case was filed on September 8, 2017, in response to DOJ’s regulations for the registration of newly classified “assault weapons” under SB 880 and AB 1135. The lawsuit challenges the regulations as a violating California’s Administrative Procedures Act because they were enacted without appropriate legislative authority and without any input from members of the public.

What's Next: Plaintiffs will soon be seeking an injunction to prevent the illegal regulations from being enforced while the lawsuit is pending. 

Case Status: NRA and CRPA attorneys are in the final stages of preparing a lawsuit challenging California’s recently enacted ammunition sales restrictions pursuant to Proposition 63 and Senate Bill 1235.

What's Next: Make sure you are subscribed to NRA and CRPA email alerts to stay informed on this and other important Second Amendment lawsuits.

(Formerly Flanagan v. Harris)

Case Status: The case was filed on August 17, 2016 as a direct response to Peruta. The suit seeks to force the court to decide whether or not it is willing to uphold a complete prohibition on the right of law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm for self-defense. On February 23, 2017, the district court dismissed plaintiff’s claims challenging California’s concealed carry restrictions in light of Peruta.

What's Next: The challenge to California’s ban on the open carry of firearms will now proceed to be litigated in the district court. Regardless of the outcome, the challenge to California’s concealed carry restrictions in light of California’s total ban on open carry have been preserved for appeal.

(formerly Peruta v. San Diego)

Case Status: On June 26, the Supreme Court issued an order declining to hear the case, but not without a strong dissenting opinion from newly appointed Justice Gorsuch and Justice Thomas, which highlights how the “en banc” panel improperly declined to answer the core question of the case. 

What's Next: While the Peruta case is officially over, the Flanagan lawsuit seeks to force the court to decide whether it is willing to uphold a complete prohibition on the right of law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm for self-defense in public.

(formerly Bauer v. Harris)

Case Status: In March 2015, the district court issued an opinion upholding California’s use of DROS fees to fund APPS and other law enforcement activities. On June 1, 2017, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court opinion. And on July 12, it denied Plaintiffs’ request for an “en banc” hearing.

What's Next: Plaintiffs’ petition for review to the United States Supreme Court is due November 9, 2017.

(formerly Gentry v. Harris)

Case Status: Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint alleging that the DROS fee is an invalid property tax. The case is currently in the discovery process.

What's Next: The case is expected to go to trial in 2017.

(formerly Belemjian v. Harris)

Case Status: This case forced DOJ to comply with the process for enacting regulations, which it sought to avoid when implementing the FSC program in February 2015. Plaintiffs appealed the lower court’s denial of Plaintiffs’ request for attorneys’ fees.

What's Next: Briefing concerning attorney’s fees has been completed. Oral arguments are expected to take place in late 2017 or early 2018.

Case Status: In December 2016, as a result of Prop 63, the California Supreme Court dismissed its review of a Court of Appeals’ opinion upholding the trial court’s order striking down AB 962. The Court of Appeals’ decision is now the final opinion in the case and Plaintiffs are seeking their attorneys’ fees against the State.

What's Next: Plaintiffs’ motion for attorneys’ fees will be heard in 2017. Separate litigation is being prepared to challenge the ammunition restrictions in Proposition 63.

Case Status: NRA and CRPA attorneys are preparing multiple challenges to the new laws that were passed in 2016 that improperly punish law-abiding gun owners. 

What's Next: Rupp, Duncan, and Villanueva have already been filed in response to the “Gunmageddon” bills and Prop 63. Additional lawsuits will soon be filed.

Case Status: In December 2016, the 9th Circuit ordered the case to be reheard by an 11-judge “en banc” panel. NRA and CRPA attorneys filed an amicus brief on January 31, 2017. Oral arguments were held on March 22, 2017.

What's Next: Awaiting a decision from the 11-judge “en banc” panel of the 9th Circuit. 

Case Status: The federal district court upheld the Roster in 2015. Plaintiffs appealed, and oral arguments were held on March 16, 2017.

What's Next: Awaiting a decision from the 9th Circuit.

Case Status: In December 2016, the 9th Circuit issued its decision upholding the 10-day wait as applied to current gun owners. Chief Judge Sydney Thomas went even further and stated that the restriction is “presumptively lawful” and therefore falls “outside the scope of the Second Amendment.” Plaintiffs petitioned the Ninth Circuit to rehear the case, but that petition was denied on April 4, 2017.

What's Next: Plaintiffs can now seek review by the United States Supreme Court. A petition for review is currently due September 1, 2017.

(formerly Tracy Rifle & Pistol v. Harris)

Case Status: In July 2015, the district court denied a request to prohibit enforcement while the case proceeds. That decision was appealed, and in February 2016, the 9th Circuit upheld the lower court’s order within two weeks of oral arguments. Cross-motions for summary judgment have been submitted in the district court.

What's Next: Awaiting a decision from the District Court on the cross-motions for summary judgment.

Case Status: The case has been settled.

What's Next: The City has agreed to pay NSSF over $400,000 in legal fees.

(formerly Doe v. Harris)

Case Status: The California trial court upheld DOJ’s regulation and the plaintiffs have appealed the decision to the California Court of Appeals.

What's Next: The case is currently being briefed before the California Court of Appeals. 

Case Status: At the request of both parties, oral arguments have been cancelled, and the case has been referred to the 9th Circuit’s mediation program.

What's Next: The Army Corps of Engineers is reconsidering its firearms policy, and will work with plaintiffs to settle the matter outside of court.

Case Status: On December 1, the California Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of NSSF, allowing the lawsuit to proceed in the lower court. But on March 22, 2017, the California Supreme Court agreed to rehear the case following a petition from the State of California.

What's Next: The case is currently being briefed before the California Supreme Court. 

Case Status: On February 21, 2017, an “en banc” panel of the 4th Circuit issued an opinion upholding Maryland’s ban that referred to America’s most popular types of rifles as “exceptionally lethal weapons of war.” Plaintiffs have petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review.

What's Next: Several briefs both supporting and opposing Plaintiffs’ petition to the United States Supreme Court have been filed, including briefs from NRA and the CRPA Foundation.    

Case Status: On July 25, the D.C. Circuit issued its decision declaring Washington D.C.’s “good reason” requirement for the issuance of a CCW as a violation of the Second Amendment. The Court also issued a permanent injunction prohibiting D.C. from enforcing the requirement.

On September 28, the D.C. Circuit denied Washington D.C.’s request for rehearing.

What's Next: Washington D.C. may now either petition the case to the United States Supreme Court, or amend their policies to accept “self-defense” as sufficient “good reason” for the issuance of a CCW. 

Either decision has the potential to have a profound effect on the legal landscape regarding the right to carry.

Description: LOP works hard to inform California gun owners of political candidate's voting records on Second Amendment Issues.

LOP Response: Continually develop and maintain detailed voting histories of local politicians, including whether they proposed or supported any firearm-related legislation.

Current Status: Ongoing.

Description: For years, the Los Angeles Municipal Code prohibited the sale or transfer of “ultracompact firearms,” even if those firearms were listed on DOJ’s “Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale” in California.

LOP Response: On September 20, 2016, NRA and CRPA attorneys submitted a pre-litigation demand letter highlighting how the ordinance was preempted by state law. 

Current Status: In response to NRA and CRPA’s pre-litigation demand, the LA City Council voted to repeal the ordinance.

Description: In July 2016, the City Council opened discussion on a number of anti-gun proposals, including a duty to report the theft or loss of a firearm, a prohibition on the possession of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and a requirement that all ammunition sales be recorded.

LOP Response: Alerted members to attend City Council meetings and voice opposition. Submitted two opposition letters, one in July and one in September, warning of the ordinance’s serious legal problems, including state preemption issues. Published C.D. Michel editorial discussing problems with proposal. Sought public records of communications between Council members and anti-gun groups.

Current Status: The City agreed to remove the magazine and ammunition restrictions from the proposal. But despite the overwhelming number of residents who spoke against the proposal, the Council voted 3-2 in favor of enacting the remaining provisions.

Description: In June 2016, the City Council instructed the LAPD to work with the anti-gun organization “Crime Gun Solutions” to study and identify so-called “bad apple” gun dealers located in the City of Los Angeles.

LOP Response: In a joint-effort with FFLGuard, prepared and submitted a letter to all FFLs located within the City warning them of the Council’s action.

Current Status: The City has not prosecuted a single dealer as a result of its efforts targeting so-called "bad apple" gun dealers.

Description: The Town Council has listed implementation of a “safe firearm storage” and “home based firearm dealer” ordinance as a proposed goal for 2017.

LOP Response: Continuing to monitor Town Council agendas for any updates. 

Current Status: Town staff have yet to draft an ordinance on any of the proposed restrictions.

Description: In March 2016, several City Councilmembers asked staff to prepare an ordinance requiring the locked storage of firearms and restricting where FFLs may be located.

LOP Response: Continuing to monitor City Council agendas for any updates.

Current Status: City staff have not yet submitted a draft ordinance for review.

Description: In October 2016, Sonoma County Sheriff Steve Freitas sought approval from the County Board of Supervisors to impose a mandatory psychological test for all CCW applicants and raise the associated fee from $150 to $550.

LOP Response: Submitted opposition letter warning of the proposal’s serious legal problems, such as how state law capped the psychological testing fee at $150.

Current Status: In November 2016, the County Board of Supervisors pulled the proposal from consideration and stated it has no plans for re-introduction at this time.

Description: In September 2016, the City introduced an ordinance requiring all handguns kept at home to be stored in a locked container, providing an exception only for individuals who possessed a valid CCW.

LOP Response: Submitted opposition letter warning of the ordinance’s serious legal problems, including state preemption issues.

Current Status: In October 2016, the City agreed to amend the ordinance to include an exception for all law-abiding citizens when carrying the firearm, regardless of whether or not they possess a valid CCW.

Description: Under the City’s “Master Fee Schedule,” residents applying for a CCW must pay a local processing fee of $961, well in excess of the $100 statutory maximum for such fees.

LOP Response: Submitted pre-litigation demand letter seeking repeal of the City’s excessive application fee.

Current Status: In November, attorneys for the City agreed that the current fee violates the statutory $100 cap. As a result, the City will soon introduce a resolution to amend the “Master Fee Schedule” accordingly.

Description: In September 2016, Councilmembers Ash Kalra and Raul Peralez introduced an anti-gun package for discussion and referral to the City Council.

LOP Response: Alerted members to attend Rules and Open Government Committee meetings during early stages of proposal.

Current Status: As a result of LOP and other local pro-gun efforts, the City has dropped most of the proposed provisions, but will still pursue a mandatory locked-storage ordinance. A draft ordinance is expected to be introduced to the City Council in the coming weeks.

Description: At the request of several anti-gun residents, the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board of Directors held an open discussion in November 2016 regarding the use of the grounds by gun shows.

LOP Response: Alerted members to attend meeting and voice support for gun shows. Submitted letter of comment informing Board members of all of the rules and requirements gun show operators are required to adhere to in the State of California.

Current States: Following the public discussion, the Board did not take any action and continues to allow the use of the grounds by gun shows.

Description: Many Orange County residents to this day are still confused as to the specific requirements for obtaining a CCW in Orange County.

LOP Response: Prepared a comprehensive guide discussing the entire application process for obtaining a CCW in Orange County, including what is required to satisfy the Sheriff’s “good cause” policy.

Current Status: NRA and CRPA are working hard to bring "shall-issue" to California. In the meantime, CRPA will continue to provide gun owners with helpful guides on how they can apply for a CCW in their respective county of residence.

Description: Following the enactment of Senate Bill 707, which restricted CCW holders from carrying firearms on school grounds, the Kern County High School Board sought to allow teachers and staff to carry firearms at school.

LOP Response: CRPA provided the Board with a comprehensive guide discussing the school’s authority to allow individuals to carry firearms on school grounds.

Current States: In November 2016, the Kern High School District Board voted in favor of allowing teachers and staff to carry firearms on school grounds.

Description: On January 12, the Cupertino Public Safety Commission held an open discussion on several proposed anti-gun measures.

LOP Response: Alerted members to attend the Public Safety Commission meeting. Submitted opposition letter informing the Commission of the proposal's serious legal problems not adequately discussed in staff reports.

Current Status: A revised ordinance regarding security requirements for firearm dealers is expected to come before the Public Safety Commission in July.

Description: On March 20, the City Council held an open discussion on a proposed ordinance requiring FFLs to install vehicle impact security devices in the form of “bollards” at all entrances to the store.

LOP Response: Alerted members to attend meeting and voice opposition. Submitted a letter of opposition informing the City of the ordinance’s serious legal problems.

Current Status: The City Council discussed NRA and CRPA’s opposition prior to making its decision, but ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of the ordinance.

Description: The City is currently in the process of selecting a new Chief of Police. The current Chief, David Faulkner, refused to honor the City Council’s resolution defining “good cause” for a CCW permit.

LOP Response: Alerted members to attend a special meeting soliciting input from residents and businesses regarding the recruitment of a new Chief of Police.

Current Status: A decision by the City has not yet been made.

Description: NRA and CRPA regularly seek and obtain public records in connection with any anti-gun efforts in California. Such efforts include proposed anti-gun ordinances, gun buyback programs, and other anti-gun regulatory enforcement issues.

LOP Response: Responses to these requests often yield valuable results, such as which members of a local government entity are working with anti-gun groups, sources of funding, and other important information.

Current Status: Ongoing.

Description: In December 2016, CA DOJ submitted its anticipated regulations regarding the procedures for registering newly classified “assault weapons” under Senate Bill 880 and Assembly Bill 1135.

Regulatory Counsel Status: NRA and CRPA alerted membersto the proposal, submitted a pre-litigation demand letter to DOJ and an opposition letter to Office of Administrative Law, and produced a webinar outlining  the effects of the proposal should it become law.

Current Status: These regulations were withdrawn before they went into effect.

Description: After withdrawing the December 2016 regulations in February 2017, CA DOJ resubmitted the regulations for “assault weapons” in May 2017.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA again alerted members to the proposed regulations, and submitted a comprehensive opposition letter.  NRA and CRPA also produced a webinar outlining the new changes and requirements for registration.

Current Status: On June 26, California’s Office of Administrative Law formally rejected DOJ’s proposed regulations, sending CA DOJ back to the drawing board for a second time.

Description: Shortly after California’s Office of Administrative Law formally rejected DOJ’s second set of proposed regulations, DOJ resubmitted their regulations without any substantive change.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA again alerted members to the resubmission, but before NRA and CRPA attorneys could respond, California’s Office of Administrative Law approved the regulations nearly a full month before it was required to make a decision.

Current Status: NRA and CRPA attorneys have filed the Villanueva lawsuit challenging the regulations as a violation of California’s Administrative Procedures Act.

Description: In July, CA DOJ submitted its anticipated regulations for the issuance of ammunition vendor licenses.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA alerted members to the proposal and provided members with information on how to submit comments on the proposal.

Current Status: NRA and CRPA attorneys have submitted a letter of comment on the proposed regulations, and are currently waiting on DOJ’s statement of reasons for the proposal.

Description: In December 2016, CA DOJ proposed a series of “emergency” regulations relating to magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA   to voice their opposition and submit comments, and prepared a comprehensive analysis of the proposed regulations’ effects. NRA and CRPA also submitted a letter of opposition to the Office of Administrative Law.

Current Status: On December 29, 2016, CA DOJ voluntarily withdrew its proposal.

Description: NRA and CRPA regularly seek and obtain public records from CA DOJ and local law enforcement relating to internal agency policies and interpretations of CA firearm laws.

Regulatory Counsel Response: Recently, responses to these requests provided key financial analysis reports from CA DOJ and other state agencies regarding proposed firearm legislation. These reports were subsequently used in drafting legislative opposition letters and veto requests to the governor.

Current Status: Ongoing.

Description: Given California's continually evolving and complex firearm laws, many gun owners, manufacturers, and dealers are often left wondering how best to avoid being prosecuted for otherwise unintentional violations that can result in serious consequences.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA regularly work to provide Californians with up-to-date information on California laws, regulations, and policies regarding firearms to help gun owners avoid prosecution and retain their right to keep and bear arms.

Current Status: Ongoing. In connection with these efforts, NRA and CRPA produced several webinars on a variety of topics, including the loaning of firearms, the new “assault weapon” laws, the new ammunition sales laws, and the recently proposed “assault weapon” regulations.

Description: NRA and CPRA continually assist members with questions concerning California firearm laws.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA have a variety of resources available to members, including the ability to refer individuals to attorneys specializing in firearm laws.

Current Status: Ongoing.

Description: Since January 2016, a new law allows law enforcement or immediate family members to seek a “gun violence restraining order” against another.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA published a comprehensive guide for judges, prosecutors, attorneys, police, and gun owners explaining all aspects of the new law.

Current Status: The published guide is available on the CRPA's website.

Description: As a result of SB 707, which was signed into law in 2015 and became effect on January 1, 2016, CCW holders may no longer carry their firearm on school grounds. 

Regulatory Counsel Response: To assist CCW holders understand the new restrictions, NRA and CRPA published a comprehensive guide that details the various ways in which a person may lawfully carry a firearm on school grounds.

Current Status: The published guide is available on CRPA's website. Recently, this guide has been provided to school administrators who are considering allowing individuals to carry firearms on their school's campus free of charge.

Description: Beginning January 1, 2018, courts will require those convicted of firearm prohibiting offenses to turn in/transfer firearms pursuant to Prop 63.

Regulatory Counsel Response: To better inform the courts and members of the public regarding this process, and in an effort to avoid confusion and inadvertent violations, NRA and CRPA prepared and submitted a letter of comment to the Judicial Council of California.

Current Status: NRA and CRPA are continuing to monitor the implementation of Prop 63 and have provided public comment to the Judicial Council of California.

Description: California law substantially regulates and restricts the acquisition, transfer, and loan of firearms. Firearm clubs and youth groups are particularly affected by these restrictions

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA are currently assisting these groups navigate CA’s requirements and advising how best to avoid unintentional violations of CA law.

Current Status: Ongoing.

Description: California granted $5 million to create the “California Firearm Violence Research Center.” The individual chosen to head this center is a known anti-Second Amendment advocate.

Regulatory Counsel Response: NRA and CRPA are continuing to monitor the center’s activities to ensure taxpayer money is not wasted on biased and unsubstantiated research.

Current Status: Ongoing.

Agency: N/A

Recent Action: Prepared two full days of presentations developed by NRA and CRPA to California hunting groups laying out a plan for addressing attacks on hunting rights in California.

Status: The groups unanimously agreed to form a coalition and develop a coordinated system to effectively and efficiently oppose and roll back anti-hunting regulations.

Agency: Fish & Game Commission, Municipalities, Regulatory Bodies

Recent Action: Prepare memoranda on viability of lawsuits challenging regulations; maintain ongoing list of potential legal challenges.

Status: Ongoing efforts to closely monitor current and potential legal challenges to timely and effectively intervene or file litigation as appropriate.

Agency: Fish & Game Commission, Municipalities, Regulatory Bodies

Recent Action: Ongoing monitoring of lawsuits and activities of potential interest to hunting related matters in California. Regularly submit public records act requests for documents concerning efforts of anti-hunting groups. Analyze Fish & Game Commission meeting agendas and prepare lobbyists for addressing matters of interest at FGC & WRC meetings.

Status: Ongoing efforts to closely monitor various hunting related issues to allow for timely and effective intervention as necessary.

Agency: N/A

Recent Action: Developed and distributed computer presentations for distribution by coalition of hunting groups that outline the attacks hunters are facing. Presented to Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports regarding issues in California to garner support.

Status: Ongoing efforts to grow hunting rights coalitions and spread awareness.

Agency: N/A

Recent Action: Prepare alerts regarding new hunting rules and regulations and advise of NRA and CRPA efforts to promote and defend hunting rights in California.

Status: Ongoing.

Agency: Fish & Game Commission

Recent Action: Development of petitions to repeal or amend current regulations that negatively affect hunters and to promote adoption of regulations that benefit hunters.

Status: The petition to allow big game archery hunters to carry side arms has been referred to the Department for possible implementation.

Agency: Fish & Game Commission, Municipalities

Recent Action: Ongoing efforts to prepare representatives for attendance at Wildlife Resource Committee hearings on predators. Presented at coyote management symposium regarding negative impacts of HSUS on predator management policies. Drafted manuscript explaining HSUS lies for publication in predator management circles. Grassroots organization to mobilize and direct local residents of cities with HSUS coyote policies.

Status: Ongoing efforts to challenge HSUS regarding non-lethal coyote policies in cities where pets and family members are being attacked. Working to broaden coalition of individuals opposed to HSUS policies in light of dangers to typical family households while informing industry members of predator management about opportunities to oppose.

Recent Action: Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Region 5R has been inspecting all shooting ranges in the region requiring sampling for potential lead contamination in stormwater runoff, utilizing drinking water standards.  This has the potential to set extremely bad precedent for regulating ranges for stormwater runoff (using drinking water standards) and may potentially shut down numerous ranges.   

Status:  Ongoing efforts to assist ranges and engage the RWQCB Region 5R representatives to contest the validity of RWQCB’s actions. Working to prevent RWQCB from using the drinking water standards (0.010 mg/L for lead) and invoke the proper stormwater standards (0.262 mg/L), if not stopping RWQCB’s actions entirely.

Recent Action: Counties are attempting to break shooting ranges’ grandfathering as a non-conforming use under County Ordinance. Once the grandfathered status of a range is broken through a use intensification argument or a subsequent County Ordinance requiring a Conditional Use Permit under the guise of health and safety concerns, compliance with current County Ordinance is effectively impossible and range closure is certain.

Status: Ongoing efforts to assist ranges in defending their grandfathered status is crucial in keeping these ranges open and operating.

California Legal Update | June 2017

California Legal Update | April 2017