■Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and firearms experts will instruct gun owners about SB2 changes for CCW permits.

■Admission is free, but you should register beforehand because of limited capacity.

■SB 2 changed where CCW holders can carry firearms and who conducts CCW classes.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says a new law created confusion for gun owners. Thus, they are holding a free town hall event to answer questions about what Senate Bill 2 means for those with a concealed carry permit or looking to get one.

On Friday, March 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., members of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and other firearms professionals will be at the Well Church in Clovis for the town hall.

On hand will be:

• Fresno County Undersheriff Steve McComas
• Fresno County Sheriff CCW Coordinator Kevin Draughon
• California Rifle & Pistol Association Fresno Chapter Chairman Mike Carey
• Representatives from the Police Science Institute, The Firing Line, and the Kings Gun Center

The venue’s capacity is 1,300, so those interested in attending are asked to register at this link.

What Does SB2 Mean for CCW Permit Holders?

Taking effect Jan. 1, SB 2 changed where CCW holders could take their concealed firearms and who could approve new licenses.

The law forbids people from carrying guns in public places such as parks, playgrounds, public demonstrations, amusement parks, churches, banks, and anywhere alcohol is sold.

A lower court determined the law to be unconstitutional. Following an action by Attorney General Rob Bonta to keep SB 2 in place while courts hear the case, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals put an injunction on the law, meaning CCW holders could still legally carry in public places, according to Tony Botti, public information officer for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

The 9th Circuit is expected to hear the case in April when they can either keep the injunction in place indefinitely or send it up to the U.S. Supreme Court, Botti said.

Additionally, the law changed how CCW instructors get their certification.

While the state figures out to certify instructors, only a handful of instructors can hold the classes for those needing to renew their permits or get a new one, according to Todd Cotta, owner of Kings County Gun Center.

Across Fresno, Tulare, Madera, and Kings counties, well over 10,000 CCW renewal requests are received every year, Cotta said. CCW permit holders need to renew every two years. If they don’t, they could have to start the process over from the beginning.

Cotta said only five instructors in Fresno County, one in Tulare County, and he — in Kings County — could conduct CCW classes.

Correction: A previous version of this story said the injunction from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals kept SB 2 in place. The injunction kept rules prior to SB 2 in place.