San Diego County Sheriff Still Requiring 'Good Cause' for Concealed Carry Applicants

Although the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the “good cause” requirement for concealed carry applicants on February 13, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore continues to require it for those applying through his departmental offices.

Ironically, the Ninth Circuit’s decision was rendered in a case brought against San Diego County’s interpretation of “good cause” to begin with. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, Gore “has opted to stick with department’s rules, noting that the [Ninth Circuit’s] ruling is not yet final.” While Gore has made it clear that his department does not plan to appeal the ruling, the state attorney general’s office is still considering their options. 

During this time Gore says the applications of concealed carry applicants who meet all criteria except “good cause” will not be “rejected,” but “held in abeyance until the court ruling is final.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to use the “good cause” requirement as well, while Orange and Ventura counties have dropped it in light of the Ninth Circuit’s ruling. 

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