2025 Concealed Carry Law Update: Understanding California’s New CCW Restrictions

Ninth Circuit decision brings SB 2 “sensitive place” bans back into force

California dramatically expanded where carrying a concealed firearm is illegal under Senate Bill 2 (SB 2). In December 2023 a federal district court enjoined most of those “sensitive place” provisions, but on September 6, 2024 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed much of that injunction. As a result, the state began enforcing the new restrictions on January 23, 2025. This update has left many concealed‑carry license holders wondering where they may lawfully carry their firearms. The attorneys at Radford & Rome, LLP, former high‑level prosecutors who now defend weapons offenses, break down the new rules and explain what to do if you are charged.

New “sensitive places” where CCW carry is prohibited in 2025

The Ninth Circuit’s decision revived SB 2’s prohibition on carrying concealed firearms in a number of locations beyond traditional government buildings. Under Penal Code § 26230, CCW holders may not carry a firearm in the following places:

  • Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, including adjacent parking areas.
  • Playgrounds and youth centers, including surrounding streets and sidewalks.
  • Parks, athletic areas and athletic facilities, including adjacent sidewalks.
  • State parks and wildlife areas, which include property overseen by the Department of Parks and Recreation or Fish and Wildlife.
  • Casinos and gambling establishments, whether operated by tribes or private companies.
  • Stadiums and arenas, including associated parking areas.
  • Public libraries.
  • Amusement parks.
  • Zoos and museums.

These locations join longstanding restrictions that already existed before SB 2. CCW holders are prohibited from carrying in amusement parks; athletic facilities; bars and restaurants; buildings under the control of executive, legislative or local governments; courthouses; casinos; colleges; museums; state park and wildlife property; nuclear sites; public parks; childcare facilities; playgrounds; youth centers; public libraries; school zones; stadiums; police stations; polling places; jails; and zoos. Violating these provisions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances.

Locations that were already off‑limits

SB 2 codified restrictions that had long been in place. Even before the Ninth Circuit’s decision, CCW holders were barred from carrying firearms in the following places:

  • School zones.
  • Preschools and childcare facilities.
  • Government buildings, such as state and local offices.
  • Courthouses.
  • Jails and detention facilities.
  • Colleges and universities.
  • Airports and passenger terminals.
  • Police, sheriff or highway patrol stations.
  • Polling places.
  • Property regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

These ten categories, along with private property clearly posted to prohibit guns, remain restricted under California law.

Where carrying is still permitted (pending further litigation)

Some SB 2 provisions remain under court injunction and are not yet enforceable. CCW holders may still carry a concealed firearm in the following locations unless a property owner posts a sign prohibiting it:

  • Hospitals and medical facilities.
  • Public transit, including buses, trains and stations.
  • Public gatherings that require a permit.
  • Places of worship.
  • Financial institutions such as banks.
  • Private businesses or private property open to the public, unless the owner posts a DOJ‑compliant sign prohibiting firearms.

These exceptions exist because the district court’s injunction remains in place for these categories. But legal challenges are ongoing, and the list of allowed locations could shrink if the appellate courts uphold the full scope of SB 2.

What to do if you’re charged with violating PC § 26230

Law enforcement is vigorously enforcing Penal Code § 26230 and related gun‑possession laws, and mistakes about where you can and cannot carry can lead to serious criminal charges. If you have been arrested or cited for carrying a concealed firearm in a restricted location—or for related offenses like carrying a loaded firearm in public (Penal Code § 25850) or possessing a firearm as a prohibited person (Penal Code § 29800)—it is essential to speak with an attorney who understands the new rules.

At Radford & Rome, LLP, we are former prosecutors who bring decades of courtroom experience to defending weapons cases. We monitor every new bulletin from the Department of Justice and follow the litigation in May v. Bonta and Carralero v. Bonta. Our team can assess whether police correctly applied the sensitive‑place restrictions, challenge unlawful searches or seizures, and negotiate for dismissal or reduction of charges. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony conviction can hinge on details that only experienced counsel will recognize.

Speak with a defense attorney today

California’s concealed‑carry landscape is in flux, and misunderstandings about the law can lead to arrest. If you or a loved one has been charged under Penal Code § 26230 or related statutes, contact Radford & Rome, LLP immediately. Our attorneys have tried thousands of cases as prosecutors and now use that insight to protect the rights of the accused. We offer confidential consultations and aggressive representation for clients in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.