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Gov. Brown Enacts Ban On Handgun Open Carry

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown's has signed a measure that bans the open carrying of handguns in California.

The law, AB144, makes it a misdemeanor to carry an exposed and unloaded gun in a public place.

The governor's office made the announcement in a statement early Monday morning. Brown has been rushing to sign dozens of measures sent to him by lawmakers.

Top California law enforcement officials supported the legislation. Brown said he had "listened to the police chiefs."

Supporters said the only person who knows whether the gun is loaded is the person carrying the gun. Opponents have said the bill is one of many assaults on the public's Second Amendment rights.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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