Legal Updates
New Restrictions for CCW Holders in California
Effective: March 27, 2025
A recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision has made it illegal for CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) license holders to carry firearms in several additional “sensitive places” under California Penal Code Section 26230(a).
Newly Restricted Locations:
CCW holders can no longer carry firearms in these places:
Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol (including parking areas)
Playgrounds and youth centers (including nearby streets and sidewalks)
Parks, athletic areas, and athletic facilities (including nearby streets and sidewalks)
State parks and wildlife areas
Casinos and gambling establishments (including parking areas)
Stadiums and arenas (including parking areas)
Public libraries (including parking areas)
Amusement parks (including parking areas)
Zoos and museums (including parking areas)
Previously Restricted Locations (Still Enforced):
The following places were already off-limits and remain restricted:
School zones
Preschool and childcare facilities
Government buildings (state and local)
Courthouses
Colleges and universities
Airports and passenger terminals
Police stations
Polling places
Jails and detention centers
Property under the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Still Under Legal Review (Not Enforced Yet):
These locations remain under a court injunction, meaning CCW holders can still carry in these places for now:
Hospitals and medical facilities
Public transit (buses, trains, stations, etc.)
Public gatherings or events requiring a permit
Places of worship (unless posted signs allow it)
Banks and financial institutions
Private businesses open to the public (unless posted signs allow it)
These restrictions result from the May v. Bonta and Carralero v. Bonta cases. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a previous ruling that blocked enforcement of the law, making these new restrictions effective immediately.
For further details, contact Deputy Attorney General Robert L. Meyerhoff at [email protected].
