Open carry ban shot down by state Senate

SACRAMENTO — The California Senate has rejected a bill that would have made it illegal to carry unloaded guns in public, but lawmakers will give the vote one more try.

Monday's 20-16 vote fell one short of the majority needed, but the Senate will reconsider the measure Tuesday.

The bill, AB1934, was introduced after a series of demonstrations by gun-rights organizations during which they encouraged participants to openly carry unloaded weapons. California law lets gun owners carry a rifle or handgun in a holster if it is not loaded.

The legislation would make it a misdemeanor to openly carry a handgun in any public place.

Democratic Sen. Mark DeSaulnier of Concord, who carried the bill in the Senate, says people often call police when they see weapons in public, not knowing whether they are loaded.