La Verne council narrows CCW psychological exam vendor, votes to subsidize exams

The La Verne City Council on May 6 voted to adopt staff recommendations to use Seal Beach Counseling as the cityontractor for psychological evaluations for concealed‑carry applicants and, by council motion, directed staff to return with a fee resolution so the city will cover the vendor cost.

Background: State law changes effective Jan. 1, 2024 (SB 2) removed prior caps on evaluation fees and allowed applicants to use vendors other than those used for department pre‑employment testing. Police staff issued an RFP and received three qualified proposals; Seal Beach Counseling proposed a $155 per‑applicant fee and offers telehealth evaluations, which staff noted would improve access for local applicants.

Staff recommendation and council action: Police staff recommended keeping the existing applicant contribution practice (applicant pays $150 directly to the provider and the city pays a small subsidy). Councilmember Rick Crosby moved instead that the city use Seal Beach Counseling and that the city pay $155 per applicant going forward; Mayor Pro Tem Steve Johnson seconded the motion. After public comment and council discussion, the motion passed with two dissenting votes (two councilmembers signaled opposition and the motion was carried 3–2). City attorney staff noted a follow‑up fee‑resolution would be required to implement the subsidy and that staff would return with the ordinance amendment.

Public comment and council concerns: Multiple public commenters said psychological screening is a sensitive policy and urged caution; one commenter warned of potential constitutional challenges and litigation. Proponents on the dais, including law enforcement advocates and council supporters, said a psych screening improves public safety and that telehealth options will reduce barriers and appointment delays that residents previously experienced.

What this means: In the near term, applicants will be able to use the city’s selected vendor; staff will prepare the fee resolution and return to council with the formal change to the consolidated fee schedule for adoption. The council did not eliminate applicant fees entirely in its discussion but directed staff to prepare the implementing resolution and related materials.

Key quote: "We agreed to make sure residents were not overcharged and to provide an accessible telehealth option," Councilmember Rick Crosby said during the discussion.