SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus is applauding the unanimous approval of Assembly Bill 1948 by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, a measure aimed at improving the efficiency of California’s concealed carry licensing system.
In a statement released following the vote, Dicus thanked lawmakers for their support of the bill, which was co-sponsored by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“I want to thank Chair Nick Schultz, Assemblymember James Ramos, and the members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee for their unanimous support of AB 1948. This legislation reflects a thoughtful, balanced approach to improving how concealed carry licenses are administered in California,” Dicus said, according to a written statement.
AB 1948 proposes extending the duration of a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license from two years to three years, beginning January 1, 2027. The measure does not change eligibility requirements, background checks, or training standards, but instead focuses on streamlining administrative processes for both applicants and issuing agencies.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, demand for CCW permits in San Bernardino County continues to rise. The department currently manages thousands of active permit holders, issues nearly 1,000 new permits each year, and processes more than 4,000 renewals annually. Each renewal requires background checks, records verification, training confirmation, and supervisory review—even when no changes have occurred.
“The current two-year renewal cycle creates unnecessary administrative burdens for both applicants and issuing authorities,” Assemblymember James Ramos said. “AB 1948 streamlines the process, reduces costs for residents, and allows law enforcement agencies to focus on oversight and public safety.”
A committee analysis found the bill would help simplify the renewal process, stabilize application cycles, and reduce the likelihood of backlogs caused by surges in demand.
The legislation has received support from several law enforcement organizations, including the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and multiple local public safety groups. No opposition was submitted during the committee hearing.
Dicus has also emphasized his personal involvement in the concealed carry permitting process. In a March 12 post on his X account, he stated, “It is important to me to attend as many CCW classes as possible so I can personally meet the people taking the responsible steps necessary to obtain their concealed carry permits.”
He added, “I pray that none of them ever faces the worst-case scenario where they are forced to use their firearm, but I am confident that our CCW Division staff provides them with the training, guidance, and tools they need should that bad day ever come.”
AB 1948 will now move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department serves more than 2.3 million residents across the largest geographical county in the nation. Sheriff Shannon Dicus is the county’s 36th Sheriff-Coroner, overseeing more than 4,400 employees and multiple patrol stations.
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