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Calif. Lawmaker Takes Aim At Open Carry

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- A California lawmaker has introduced legislation that would change the state's gun laws and restrict the right to carry a weapon openly.

It is now legal to carry an unloaded gun into most public places within the state, including restaurants and malls, but bill introduced by Assemblyman Anthony J. Portantino (D-Los Angeles) in the wake of the Tucson shootings that killed 6 would change that.

If approved, AB 144 would make it a misdemeanor to carry an unloaded handgun into public under most circumstances.

The law drew immediate criticism from gun rights advocates, who say the presence of guns can improve safety.

Law abiding citizens have the right to keep and bear arms," said Yih-Chau Chang, of the group Responsible Citizens of California. "Many studies have shown that law abiding citizens carrying firearms in a public setting have demonstratively reduced violent crime all across the country."

Firearm enthusiasts have demonstrated their support for the open carry of guns in public by organizing meetings in public places while carrying guns, events that have drawn equally sharp criticism from gun control advocates.

"We believe that it is dangerous to have weapons openly displayed in public like that," said Rebecca Gonzalez, of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "A gun can be loaded very quickly and bad things can happen to innocent bystanders."

Gun violence will happen no matter what and armed bystanders can be an asset, Chang argued.

"Victims, when they are armed, are at least able to level the playing field," he said.

A specific date for further legislative action on the bill has not been set.

Open carry laws currently in effect allow private business owners to ban the open display of firearms on their property.

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