In a recent display of unwavering dedication to Californians’ safety, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) fearlessly confronted Senate Democrats for their failure to prioritize public safety regarding gun violence and the fentanyl crisis. Leader Jones’s remarks on the Senate Floor exposed the Democrats’ lack of action on critical issues while highlighting their infringement on the Second Amendment rights of legal Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) permit holders through Senate Bill 2. Amidst a climate of constitutional concerns and public safety risks, Leader Jones emerges as a staunch advocate for Californians’ rights and security.

Leader Jones wasted no time in calling out Senate Democrats for their misplaced priorities. While the Democrats focus on pushing unconstitutional gun control measures, Leader Jones pointedly criticized their failure to address the fentanyl crisis wreaking havoc across the state. With thousands of Californians succumbing to drug addiction and gun violence, their indifference to public safety is a grave disservice to the very people they are elected to represent.

At the heart of Leader Jones’s opposition lies Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Portantino (D-Pasadena). This bill further restricts the acquisition of CCW permits in California by increasing fees and adding bureaucratic hurdles to an already cumbersome process. Leader Jones highlighted the extensive application and approval processes that legal CCW permit holders undergo, making California’s regulations among the strictest in the nation. Senate Bill 2’s overreach infringes upon the rights enshrined in the Second Amendment.

Leader Jones provided a detailed analysis of the unconstitutional provisions within Senate Bill 2. The bill prohibits CCW permit holders from carrying firearms in various locations, including schools, legislative buildings, courts, hospitals, and more. Even commercial establishments are subject to restrictions unless permission is explicitly granted. By placing such severe limitations on responsible gun owners, the bill not only encroaches on constitutional rights but also fails to address the root causes of gun violence.

Despite bipartisan opposition to Senate Bill 2, the measure was passed by Senate Democrats with overwhelming support. Leader Jones highlighted the brave stance taken by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson), who joined the California Senate Republican Caucus in opposing the bill. Notably, Senators Richard Roth (D-Riverside) and Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) abstained from voting, underscoring the dissent even within the Democratic ranks. As the bill advances to the Assembly, Leader Jones’s resolute commitment to public safety remains unwavering.

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones’s unwavering dedication to protecting the public safety of Californians shines through his recent criticism of Senate Democrats’ misplaced priorities. By confronting unconstitutional gun control measures and drawing attention to the dire fentanyl crisis, Leader Jones exemplifies true leadership and a commitment to defending the rights and safety of his constituents. As Californians, it is essential to rally behind leaders like Senator Jones, who fearlessly challenge the status quo and advocate for responsible, comprehensive solutions.

Senate Democrats Don’t Care about Public Safety

Senate Minority Leader Jones highlights unconstitutional gun control bill while Democrats fail to act on fentanyl

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) called out Senate Democrats on the Senate Floor for their failure to care about public safety as it relates to gun violence and fentanyl. Jones’s comments were in opposition to Senate Bill 2, which infringes on the Second Amendment rights of legal Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) permit holders.You can watch Leader Jones’s comments here. “Senate Democrats claim there is a ‘gun addiction’ in California…are you kidding me?,” said Leader Jones. “Let’s talk about a fentanyl addiction in California and the Senate Democrats’ refusal to do anything about it. They proclaim self-righteousness about their unconstitutional gun control measures, but won’t do a damn thing about fentanyl control. Their lack of care for public safety is insulting to the thousands of Californians dying on our streets from drug addiction and gun violence.” Senate Bill 2 (Portantino, D-Pasadena) makes it even more difficult to obtain a CCW permit in California by increasing fees and adding more bureaucratic red tape to the already cumbersome application process. CCW permit holders in California currently undergo some of the most stringent application and government approval processes in the nation to obtain their permit to legally carry a firearm, a Constitutional right under the Second Amendment. SB 2 is most likely unconstitutional as it bans legal CCW permit holders from carrying their firearm in 26 types of locations including schools, legislative buildings or parking areas, courts or court parking areas, buses, trains, hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, urgent care facilities, any buildings or parking areas of that building where alcohol is sold regardless of whether the holder is drinking, playgrounds, youth centers, athletic facilities, stadiums, libraries, airports, religious buildings unless posted, and amusement parks. The bill goes a step further and also prohibits CCW permits holders from carrying firearms in any commercial establishment unless allowance is publicly posted. SB 2 passed off of the Senate Floor on a 29-9 vote with bipartisan opposition. Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) joined the entire California Senate Republican Caucus in opposing the measure while Senators Richard Roth (D-Riverside) and Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) did not vote. All other Senate Democrats supported the measure. SB 2 now heads to the Assembly for consideration.