San Benito County Sheriff Eric S. Taylor strongly opposes California Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), stating that it poses a threat to the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. He also expresses doubt about the effectiveness of the legislation in tackling gun violence.
Residents of the state were once again prevented from carrying guns in most public spaces as the law banning it was blocked from taking effect.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a previous ruling that would have allowed the law to be implemented temporarily in 2024.
San Benito County Sheriff Taylor confidently stated that he firmly believes that SB 2, which restricts concealed carry permit holders from possessing their lawfully owned firearms in certain designated areas, is unconstitutional. He further expressed his conviction that the courts will ultimately find the law in violation of the Second Amendment and strike it down entirely.
The Sheriff drew attention to the latest legal advancements regarding SB 2, emphasizing that “the courts recently issued a preliminary injunction on the provision of SB 2 that addresses ‘sensitive areas.'” On Saturday, December 30th, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals made this ruling.
The December 20th injunction was initially suspended by appeals, thereby implementing the sensitive areas provision of the bill. However, on January 6th, the 9th Circuit reversed the stay and allowed the injunction to come into effect for the aforementioned portion.
Sheriff Taylor expressed his concern regarding the focus of SB 2, highlighting the serious issue of gun violence in California and the rest of the country. However, he pointed out that statistics clearly indicate that CCW holders are not the ones responsible for gun-related crimes. He emphasized that SB 2 appears to target law-abiding citizens, who are being deprived of their legal right to carry firearms for self-protection, instead of holding accountable those individuals who use firearms to commit crimes.
He emphasized, “To truly save lives, SB 2 should focus on addressing the mental health issues that drive mass murderers and the criminals who commit violent crimes.”
Sheriff Taylor is dedicated to thoroughly assessing each situation individually, ensuring that the actions of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office always prioritize justice and the well-being of the community.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the rural county with limited resources, he emphasized the commitment to directing efforts where they are needed most. He stated, “We will focus our resources on addressing the most pressing needs.”
Sheriff Taylor concluded by stating, “Our goal is not to make constitutionally protected behavior a crime. We understand that this matter is still unresolved, and we remain optimistic that the courts will uphold our constitution.”
