EDITED: 03-30-15
The Capitol:
The 2015 legislative session began on January 5th and the bill introduction deadline was February 27th. Even though the introduction deadline is already past, we still don’t know what to fully expect from the year because often, when a bill is proposed it is what we call a “spot” bill. A “spot” bill means that it is very vague and often has only one or two paragraphs that explain the general direction the author wants to take the bill; but no actual details of the proposed law or how they would have it implemented if it were to make it all the way through the legislative process.
HERE is the list of bills that GOC is following right now, along with a brief summary of the bill, our position on each, as well as any published letters of support or opposition.
We will be sure to call on you, who as faithful members, have never failed to send emails and make phone calls to your legislators when there was a need in previous years. We send email updates on legislation and court cases a little more often than we send out newsletters, so if that is something you are interested in receiving, please click HERE to add your email address to our list. You can opt out of the emails at any point, so please don’t hesitate to at least get your name on there to begin with.
As the bills are amended, updated, and better defined, we will update our positions on them and link all further position letters, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates on the happenings of the California Legislature.
The Courts:
As in years past, this year we’ve also put in a lot of effort into the courts. We work with several other high-profile pro-gun organizations to support each other and the different court cases. As a team and with your support, we have been able to provide judges with common sense, pro-gun logic and will continue to do so in the cases listed below and any others that surface.
Here is the 9th Circuit/California Litigation Update: (Red cases linked to Amicus Briefs)
- Peruta V. San Diego – California CCW “Good Cause” Requirement
STATUS: On March 26, 2015, the court issued an order upon the vote of a majority of the judges sitting on the 9th Circuit to rehear the case en banc (the case will be heard by the Chief Justice and 10 other judges selected at random) along with Richards v. Prieto. Oral arguments are scheduled to take place during the week of June 15, 2015, in San Francisco, California. A decision from can be expected anywhere from 3‐9 months following oral arguments.McKay v. Hutchens – Orange County Sheriff CCW Issuance Policies
STATUS: The case has been stayed pending the resolution of Peruta. The timeline for this case is currently not known.Richards v. Prieto – Sacramento and Yolo County CCW Issuance Policies
STATUS: On March 26, 2015, the court issued an order upon the vote of a majority of the judges sitting on the 9th Circuit to rehear the case en banc along with Peruta v. San Diego. Oral arguments are scheduled to take place during the week of June 15, 2015, in San Francisco, California. A decision from can be expected anywhere from 3‐9 months following oral arguments.Birdt v. San Bernardino Sheriffs Department / Good Cause CCS Issuance Policies
STATUS: Pending the results of the Peruta case.Fyock v. Sunnyvale – “Large‐Capacity” Magazines/Banning Thereof
STATUS: On March 4, 2015, the 9th Circuit upheld the lower court’s denial of plaintiff’s request for a preliminary injunction. The litigation now resumes with discovery and depositions in the district court.Jackson v. San Francisco – Requirement for Locked Storage of Firearms
STATUS: Plaintiffs petitioned for Supreme Court review in December 2014. The Supreme Court will likely make its decision between April and June of 2015.Pena v. Cid – Challenge to the California Handgun Roster
STATUS: The federal district court held the Roster is constitutional on February 25, 2015. Plaintiffs have appealed. The opening brief is due on June 18, 2015. The answering brief is due on July 20, 2015. Once the case is fully briefed, oral arguments will be set, probably in late 2015 or early 2016.Silvester v. Harris – 10‐Day Wait as Applied to Current Firearm Owners
STATUS: The case is currently being appealed to the 9th Circuit. The opening brief was due on March 25, 2015 and the answering brief on April 24, 2015; once the case is fully briefed, oral arguments will be set, likely in late 2015 or early 2016.Bauer v. Harris – Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) Fees
STATUS: On March 2, 2015, the District Court issued its opinion granting the Defendant’s motion for summary judgment, upholding California’s use of DROS fees to fund the Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS) as constitutional. Plaintiffs filed an appeal to the 9th Circuit. The opening brief is due on June 15, 2015, and the State’s answering brief is due on July 15, 2015. Once the case if fully briefed, oral arguments will be set, and will likely take place in late 2015 or early 2016.Gentry v. Harris – Use of DROS Surplus Monies to Fund APPS
STATUS: The case is currently in the discovery process in the trial court. The timeline for this case is currently unknown.Parker V. California – Challenge To “Handgun Ammunition” Sale Registration Requirement And Mail Order Ban (Senator de Leon’s SB 962).
STATUS: The case is currently awaiting oral argument before the California Supreme Court. Oral arguments are expected to take place sometime in 2015, and a ruling will follow in late 2015 or early 2016.NSSF v. City of Pleasant Hill – Federal Firearms Zoning Ordinance
STATUS: A hearing on the government’s motion to dismiss the case was held on January 23, 2015. A decision on the government’s motion to dismiss can come at any time.Doe V. Harris – CA DOJ Regulation Prohibiting Sale Of More Than One Handgun In 30 Day Period To Valid Certificate Of Eligibility Holders.
STATUS: The Plaintiff’s request for preliminary injunction was denied in July, 2014. The case is now proceeding towards summary judgment motions to resolve the case at the trial court.Tracy Rifle And Pistol V. Harris – 1st Amendment Challenge To Handgun Advertisement Prohibition.
STATUS: Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction on November 17, 2014. On March 6, 2015, the court issued an order submitting plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction for decision without a hearing. A decision on the request to enjoin the law while the case proceeds, will likely come in the next 1 ‐ 3 months.Belemjian V. Harris – Challenges CA DOJ’s Underground Regulations Regarding The Firearm Safety Certificate Program.
STATUS: On March 9, 2015, the Office of Administrative Law approved CA DOJ’s “emergency” regulations submitted as a result of the lawsuit. A hearing on the DOJ’s motion to dismiss is set for April 15, 2015, and plaintiffs filed a non‐opposition on April 2, 2015. The lawsuit prompted formal regulation from the DOJ and the case will likely conclude in the next 2 ‐ 4 months.NSSF V. California – Challenges To Microstamping Requirements.
STATUS: On April 28, 2015, the Court denied the State’s request to dismiss the case. The ruling paves the way for a favorable ruling for the Plaintiffs on the merits. A motion for summary judgment is expected sometime in 2015.Nesbitt (formerly Morris) v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Carrying and Using Firearms on Gov’t Property
STATUS: US Court of Appeals; awaiting judicial decision. There is no time limit and it can come at any time.SFVPOA v. San Francisco – “Large-Capacity” Magazines
STATUS: Case was dismissed without prejudice (without loss or waiver of rights or privileges).Henderson v. U.S. – Felony Conviction/Transfer or Sale of Firearms
STATUS: The case is before the U.S. Supreme Court; oral arguments were heard in February; a decision is due in the coming months.Woolard v. Gallagher – CCW Permits/ “Good Cause”
STATUS: The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Maryland’s handgun licensing rules that limit the right to carry a concealed weapon to those who have proven a “good and substantial reason.” In the absence of clear standards, the judges “merely assume[d] that the Heller right exists outside the home.” Letting that assumption stand, or maybe not, the Supreme Court denied review on October 15, 2013.Heller III v. DC
STATUS: This case challenges the government’s violation of the legal principles in the original Heller and McDonald decisions. The District of Columbia continues to ignore the fact that the US Supreme Court has invalidated the application of their gun laws. - *en banc: the court case will be heard by the Chief Justice and 10 other judges selected at random