Assemblymember Portantino Named “Legislator of the Year”

 

California Police Chiefs recognize Portantino for his public safety advocacy & accomplishments

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) was honored last night in Sacramento by the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) for his public safety measure banning the open carry of unloaded handguns in public places.

“As someone with many relatives in law enforcement this means a lot to me.  I know and respect the dedicated men and women in uniform and the work they do to keep our communities safe and it is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition,” stated Assemblymember Portantino. “I have been blessed to have worked closely with the Police Chiefs during my time in office most recently on the bill to ban the open carry of unloaded handguns.  California is a safer place because the Governor signed our collaborative effort into law.”

Last year, Assemblymember Portantino successfully authored AB 144 which outlaws the “open carry” of unloaded firearms in California.  The bill was backed by the CPCA and rank and file police officers who maintained that open carry of weapons in public places was a safety threat and a waste of law enforcement officers’ time.

 

“Assemblymember Portantino authored the Open Carry bill and against all odds, got it through the Legislature and to the Governor’s desk,” stated CPCA President Dave Maggard, Chief of the Irvine Police Department. “Getting legislation like this introduced and passed is critical for the safety of our communities and we appreciate Assemblymember Portantino’s leadership.”

 

The legislation makes it illegal to carry an unloaded handgun in any public place or street. Law enforcement personnel are exempt as are hunters and others carrying unloaded weapons under specified licensed circumstances.

This year, after open carry supporters began appearing in public with rifles and shotguns, the Assemblymember authored AB 1527, a measure that will prohibit individuals from openly displaying unloaded rifles and shotguns in public.  This bill also has the support of the Police Chiefs Association and is currently making its way through the Assembly.