In a win for Second Amendment rights advocates and a blow to California gun control measures, a federal judge ordered the state accept concealed carry permit applications from out-of-state resident on Thursday, Aug. 22. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many states’ gun restrictions that did not align with the United States’ “historic tradition of firearms regulations,” California passed a handful of laws to restrict the ability of citizens to carry weapons in public.
One of those laws passed in the Golden State barred out-of-state residents from applying for concealed carry permits. However, gun rights groups challenged that restriction, saying that it failed the U.S. Supreme Court’s historical test.
District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett agreed with that argument, noting that the state had not found any past laws showing such limits are “part of a historical tradition of this nation.”
Garnett also ruled that California’s waiting time for permits is too long and unconstitutional. Residents in the state can reportedly wait up to 18 months to get concealed carry permit.
Additionally, the lawsuit challenged exorbitant fees, required psychological exams and discretionary denials. However, Garnett said these issues will have to wait until she can review the merits of the entire case.
California is expected to appeal the preliminary injunction and request a stay on the ruling.
