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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

State Assemblyman Donnelly bringing a gun to the airport inspires proposed state law

Assembly member Norma J. Torres with the California National Guard in Riverside, CA.
Assembly member Norma J. Torres with the California National Guard in Riverside, CA.
(
The California National Guard/Flickr
)

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State Assemblyman Donnelly bringing a gun to the airport inspires proposed state law
State Assemblyman Donnelly bringing a gun to the airport inspires proposed state law

Assemblywoman Norma Torres of the Inland Empire wants to crack down on people caught bringing concealed weapons to airports. The proposed legislation was apparently triggered by fellow assemblyman Tim Donnelly and his recent run-in with the law.

The bill is opposed by San Bernardino County Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, among others.

Last month, Donnelly was stopped at a security checkpoint at Ontario International, because of a loaded handgun in his briefcase.

Donnelly calls it an innocent mistake. He was charged with a pair of misdemeanors, and he could face up to a year and a half in jail if convicted.

Assemblywoman Norma Torres of Pomona has introduced a bill that would make it mandatory to arrest anyone caught with a concealed weapon at a California airport.

The bill introduced by Assemblywoman Torres would also bar convicted gun holders from returning to the airport where they were arrested. The legislation exempts licensed gun owners who make prior check-in arrangements.

Donnelly says he armed himself after getting death threats over his opposition to a state law that grants student financial aid to undocumented immigrant college students.

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