Governor Brown OKs open-carry gun restriction, vetoes second bill
By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill further restricting the open carrying of firearms in California.
The governor said Friday that AB7 closes what he calls a narrow loophole in California's existing restrictions.
The measure doesn't ban hunting or shooting in most rural areas. It does make it a misdemeanor to openly carry a rifle or shotgun in unincorporated areas where county supervisors have made it illegal to fire a weapon.
Most counties don't have such bans, and the ban won't affect most areas where shooting is currently allowed.
The governor vetoed a second bill that would have required more security at gun stores.
Gun advocates praised Brown for vetoing SB464 but criticized the open carry bill as another infringement on law-abiding gun owners.