EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (November 15, 2023) – In a significant legislative move, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 2 into law on September 26, 2023, set to bring sweeping changes to the Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit process in California. The new regulations, effective January 1, 2024, aim to enhance the training requirements for both renewal and new CCW applicants.
One of the most notable changes introduced by SB2 is the mandatory attendance of training courses. Renewal applicants will now be required to complete an 8-hour course, while new applicants must dedicate 16 hours to their training. This marks a substantial increase from the previous 4-hour renewal and 8-hour new applicant courses.
It’s crucial to highlight a key transition period: all CCW applications submitted before December 31, 2023, will be processed under the existing laws and policies, irrespective of their expiration dates. However, come January 1, 2024, the landscape will shift, and the 4-hour renewal and 8-hour new applicant courses will no longer be offered.
This overhaul in the CCW process represents a significant step towards reinforcing firearm safety and responsible ownership in California. The extended training requirements seek to ensure that CCW permit holders are adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities associated with carrying concealed weapons.
As the implementation date approaches, both current and prospective CCW holders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and take timely action to comply with the impending changes. Stay tuned for any updates or clarifications as the state navigates this transformative shift in its concealed carry permit regulations.