TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, and adopt resolution amending the Master Fee and Charges Schedule to add new Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) License Fees. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department transferred the responsibilities of issuing Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) licenses back to municipal police agencies effective August 1, 2022. A CCW license authorizes a license holder to carry a pre-approved firearm concealed on their person within the State of California. On November 1, 2022, the City Council approved a contract with Permitium, an end-to-end online platform, to help staff streamline the application process, background check tracking, payment, and issuance of CCW licenses.
City Council approval is requested to amend the Master Fees and Charges Schedule to add new CCW License Fees (Attachment A), which will allow LBPD to partially recover costs incurred for staff to conduct a comprehensive background check to determine whether an applicant is qualified for a CCW license. The multi-step process to obtain a CCW license includes a detailed application, California Department of Justice fingerprint check, background check, interview, psychological evaluation, and firearm training. The California Penal Code Section 26155 vests the Chief of Police of the licensing jurisdiction with the authority to make the final determination to approve or deny CCW licenses to applicants.
The proposed fees will be set at the rate of $350.50 per Standard, Judicial, and Reserve Officer application, $25.00 per renewal application and $10.00 per amendment/modification request. The Reserve Officer application processing fee may be waived at the discretion of the Chief of Police. These fees are not anticipated to fully recover the cost to process a CCW application, which may result in the City of Long Beach (City) subsidizing some costs. Applicants will be responsible for providing proof of passing a Live Scan, Psychological Evaluation, and Firearm Safety and Proficiency Training, administered by third-party vendors approved by the LBPD.
According to California Penal Code Section 26190, subdivision (b)(1), “The licensing authority of any city, city and county, or county shall charge an additional fee in an amount equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license, including any required notices, excluding fingerprint and training costs, and shall transmit the additional fee, if any, to the city, city and county, or county treasury.” Furthermore, per California Penal Code Section 26190 subdivision (d)(1), “Local fees may be increased at a rate not to exceed any increase in the California Consumer Price Index as compiled and reported by the Department of Industrial Relations.”
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez and Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on March 1, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 21, 2023, to ensure the expedited implementation of the proposed fees.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation will amend the Master Fees and Charges Schedule to add five new fees for the processing of Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) license applications at $350.50 per Standard, Judicial, and Reserve Officer application, $25.00 per renewal application and $10.00 per amendment/modification request. The proposed processing fees are not anticipated to fully recover the cost to process the CCW application but will help to partially offset the cost of services including staff, materials, and supplies required to provide the CCW license. The Reserve Officer application processing fee may be waived at the discretion of the Chief of Police. The amount of revenue to be generated from these fees is unknown at this time and will be based on the number of applications received annually. This recommendation has a moderate staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
WALLY HEBEISH
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER