Common-sense CCW reform would improve public safety, reduce costs, and ease pressure on already overburdened licensing agencies
SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County Gun Owners is urging Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 1948, a reasonable and responsible public safety bill that would extend the duration of California concealed carry weapon licenses from two years to three years.
The bill has now passed the Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk. SDCGO is calling on Governor Newsom to put public safety and good government ahead of anti-gun politics by signing it into law.
AB 1948 does not weaken background checks. It does not lower training standards. It does not remove oversight from local licensing authorities. It simply reduces unnecessary administrative churn for law-abiding citizens who have already gone through California’s stringent CCW application process.
“This is exactly the kind of reasonable, responsible policy all Californians should be able to support without controversy,” said Michael Schwartz, Executive Director of San Diego County Gun Owners. “AB 1948 keeps the process in place while reducing costs and shortening wait times for gun owners, while helping sheriffs focus resources where they are actually needed. There is no downside to this bill unless someone’s goal is simply to make it harder for gun owners to exercise their rights.”
California’s CCW process is already among the most demanding in the country. Applicants must pass background checks, complete required training, and meet the standards set by local licensing authorities. Extending the license period from two years to three years would help reduce repeat paperwork, lower pressure on sheriff’s departments, and improve wait times for new and renewal applicants alike.
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has been outspoken in her support for extending the renewal period.
“The process to acquire a CCW permit is stringent,” said Sheriff Martinez. “There is no reason when a citizen is law abiding that they should overtax the system by going through a 2 year renewal. Lengthening the time makes sense.”
SDCGO thanked Sheriff Martinez for her leadership and her willingness to speak plainly about the practical burden the current system places on both permit holders and the agencies responsible for processing applications.
“Sheriff Martinez deserves credit for standing up for a practical fix that benefits the public, permit holders, and law enforcement,” Schwartz said. “This should not be treated as a partisan or ideological issue. It is a basic efficiency reform that makes the system work better.”
Despite the bill’s broad support and modest scope, SDCGO is strongly urging Governor Newsom to sign the bill.
“Governor Newsom has an opportunity to show that he can separate practical public safety policy from political hostility toward gun owners,” Schwartz concluded.
“Signing AB 1948 would be a small but meaningful step toward a more functional licensing system. Vetoing it would send the message that even the most reasonable reforms are unacceptable if they make life easier for gun owners.”
As such, SDCGO is urging all supporters and members to contact Governor Gavin Newsom and urge him to sign AB 1948.
