California Legislature sends bill to Governor making it a misdemeanor to openly carry a long rifle in unincorporated areas of a County

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Assembly Bill 7, authored by Mike Gipson (D-Carson) specifies that "it is a misdemeanor to openly carry a long gun in a public place in an area where discharge of a firearm is prohibited in an unincorporated area of a county."

In writing to ask for support of AB7, Gipson (D-Carson) says, "This legislation has widespread approval by the majority of Californians. Assembly Bill 7 will close a dangerous loophole that allows the open carry of long-guns in unincorporated areas. This is a completely unacceptable loophole because the flaunting of assault weapons invites mayhem, confusion, and fear. I will continue to stand with my colleagues in the legislature, gun safety advocates, and all of my constituents to reduce gun violence in California. I believe we have what it takes to rise above political division and enact laws that will strengthen public safety and reduce the plague of gun violence."

In writing its opposition to the bill, the National Rifle Association wrote the following:

"We are not aware of a person openly carrying an unloaded firearm in an unincorporated area being convicted of any crime between 2012 and now. With this being said, this is just another bill harassing law-abiding gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights."

"It is obvious that AB 7 is not about reducing California's firearm crime rate, but is simply another attempt to further strip the law-abiding citizens of the Golden State of their Constitutional right to self-defense."

The bill is now sitting on Governor Jerry Brown's desk. He has until October 15th to act on it.