Steve Hilton’s Plan to Defend the Constitutional Rights of Law-Abiding Citizens
THE PROBLEM
The Second Amendment guarantees Americans the right to keep and bear arms. But after 16 years of one party rule, California Democrats have passed some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country.
Instead of focusing on criminals who misuse firearms, Democrats in state government have targeted law abiding citizens with layer after layer of regulation. At the same time, the ability to obtain a concealed carry permit often depends on which county someone lives in. Some counties follow the law. Others impose delays and barriers that effectively deny residents their constitutional rights.
Attorney General Rob Bonta has repeatedly defended these restrictions in court, including California’s ban on standard capacity magazines in Duncan v. Bonta and California’s so-called “assault weapon” ban in Miller v. Bonta.
Californians deserve a governor who will defend their constitutional rights.
Steve Hilton’s Plan
Steve Hilton will take immediate action to restore Second Amendment rights in California, working in close partnership with his ‘Golden Ticket’ running mate, Attorney General candidate Michael Gates. When Californians elect Michael Gates as Attorney General, California will finally have a Governor and Attorney General aligned in defending constitutional rights instead of attacking them.
1.Bring California state government into compliance with the Second Amendment
As governor, Steve Hilton will issue an executive order directing all state agencies to review their policies, regulations, and enforcement practices to ensure they comply with the Second Amendment and recent Supreme Court rulings.
This order will require state agencies to identify policies that conflict with the Constitution and take steps to bring those policies into compliance.
Steve Hilton will work with Attorney General Michael Gates to ensure state agencies receive clear legal guidance on how to comply with the Constitution.
California law allows residents to obtain concealed carry permits, but access to those permits varies widely depending on where someone lives.
2. Ensure concealed carry laws are applied consistently across California
As governor, Steve Hilton will direct Attorney General Gates to ensure every county in California complies with federal and state concealed carry law, including the standards established by the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Attorney General Gates will work with county sheriffs and local officials to ensure concealed carry permitting is applied fairly and consistently across the state.
The Constitution should apply equally in every county in California.
3. Review California’s firearm laws for constitutionality
California has enacted hundreds of firearm related laws over the past several decades. Many of these laws were written before recent Supreme Court decisions clarified the scope of Second Amendment protections.
As governor, Steve Hilton will direct the Governor’s legal team to conduct a comprehensive review of California’s firearm laws to determine which restrictions are unconstitutional under current Supreme Court precedent.
Instead of spending taxpayer money defending laws that violate the Constitution, California should focus on enforcing laws against violent criminals.
A Simple Principle
The Second Amendment is part of the Constitution. California should respect it. Steve Hilton will restore Second Amendment rights in California while ensuring laws are applied fairly and consistently across the state.
