California sheriff department settles concealed-carry fee and delay lawsuit

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reached a settlement in a case accusing it of high fees and slow processing of concealed-carry permits.

A lawsuit filed in December 2023 by the Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, the California Rifle and Pistol Association and several individuals claimed that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department imposed overly high fees and delayed concealed-carry permit applications for up to 18 months. On Thursday the department announced a settlement that will reduce fees, speed up processing and allow non-resident applicants to obtain permits for the first time.

CRPA President C.D. Michel said the outcome enforces Supreme Court mandates and will guide future actions against other California jurisdictions. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut called the deal a modest victory in a broader fight against what he described as unconstitutional gun regulations in the state.

GOA California Director Adam Wilson welcomed the result, emphasizing the need to uphold statutory deadlines. The agreement still requires approval by the Los Angeles County Claims Board, and a separate case brought by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division continues.