New Concealed Carry Law Denied by Another Northern California Count

In a defiant move against Senate Bill 2 (SB2) signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday to permit concealed weapons in local government buildings, directly opposing the restrictions imposed by SB2. The law, facing resistance from various Northern California counties, aims to prohibit the carrying of firearms, including by individuals with concealed carry weapons permits (CCWs), in 26 types of public places such as parks, sports stadiums, hospitals, and houses of worship.

Shasta County’s opposition to SB2 has been vocalized in recent months, with Sheriff Michael Johnson expressing his stance in a YouTube video at the beginning of 2024. Sheriff Johnson asserted that he and his deputies would not enforce the bill’s restrictions, deeming them “unconstitutional” and stating, “We will not expend our time and our efforts to address such needless and unconstitutional legislation.”

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This recent vote follows a symbolic resolution passed by the Shasta County Board of Supervisors six months ago, affirming their commitment to “use all lawful means at its disposal to support and defend the Second Amendment.” The county now joins the ranks of Placer County, Sutter County, and Yuba County in opposing California’s new gun law.

The defiance exhibited by Shasta County reflects a broader sentiment among several counties in Northern California, highlighting the ongoing tension between state-level gun control measures and local authorities advocating for Second Amendment rights. This localized resistance further underscores the complexities and challenges associated with enforcing statewide legislation, especially when met with strong opposition from regional governing bodies.

As the debate around gun control continues, Shasta County’s decision adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the balance between individual gun rights and the broader public safety concerns addressed by state laws like SB2.