Federal court to revisit California concealed weapons permit case

A special 11-judge federal appeals court panel will consider whether to side with the gun lobby’s effort to dramatically loosen California’s restrictions on carrying concealed firearms.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday will hear a case that involves challenges to regulations in San Diego and Yolo Counties but that has implications for local gun control efforts across the state.

The 9th Circuit case is reconsidering a ruling that found San Diego’s strict but common guidelines of showing “good cause” for issuing concealed-carry gun permits are too restrictive.

In that ruling last year, a divided three-judge panel found San Diego’s restrictions trampled on the Second Amendment rights of private citizens to carry a gun for self-defense.

If the ruling stands, concealed weapon permit applicants will still have to pass background checks and undergo training.