Bid to loosen concealed weapons law hits a roadblock

The 9th Circuit court of Appeals says that 11 justices will consider the case. Last year, a three-judge panel from the court struck down the San Diego Sheriff Department’s concealed permit policy.

The panel ruled 2-1 that the sheriff’s policy was overly restrictive, prompting California Attorney General Kamala Harris to appeal. The court initially said Harris waited too long, but it has now agreed to reconsider the case.

The initial lawsuit was filed by a man named Edward Perulta, who was supported by a gun rights group. On the other side, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence tried to intervene.

The decision applied only to San Diego County – but it set a precedent with potentially far-reaching implications for counties up and down the state that have similar policies.

In court filings, Attorney General Harris called the case exceptionally important, and said it should be heard by all 11 justices. More than half the justices on the 9th Circuit agreed. The court is scheduled to hear arguments in June.