Second Amendment ruling in Baird v. Bonta: Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down California’s Open Carry Ban Affecting 95% of State Residents

The Ninth Circuit has issued a significant Second Amendment ruling in Baird v. Bonta, filed January 2, 2026, striking down California’s ban on open carry in counties with populations over 200,000.

• The panel made it clear:
  • Open carry is deeply rooted in American history
  • States can’t ban it just because they prefer concealed carry
  • California failed its burden — again