Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified last week in the Assembly Public Safety Committee supporting Assembly Bill 1344, a measure aimed at significantly enhancing public safety. This new legislative proposal, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, is designed to empower district attorneys to petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), a crucial tool in preventing gun violence. Laws authorizing GVROs are commonly referred to as “Red Flag Laws” and they allow a judge to temporarily prohibit firearm possession by a person who poses a significant danger to themself or others.
“I have long been a staunch advocate for strengthening gun violence restraining orders, particularly after the 2018 Borderline tragedy,” Assemblymember Irwin said during the hearing. “For years I have advocated for district attorneys to be added to the list of authorized petitioners for GVROs. With their legal expertise and positioning in courthouses across the state DAs are an ideal addition.”
District Attorney Nasarenko, alongside a member of GIFFORDS, spoke before lawmakers in Sacramento, advocating for the bill’s potential to reduce gun-related violence through faster and more proactive intervention. GIFFORDS is an organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Assembly bill 1344 passed unanimously.
“This is a common sense public safety bill with due process protections that will help to save lives,” District Attorney Nasarenko explained in his testimony. “Prosecutors are in the unique position to understand when this restraining order is needed and are able to provide a consistent and thorough approach to gun violence restraining orders. This will free up law enforcement and first responders to handle 911 calls and core investigative functions, rather than be in court where there are often delays.”
Currently, GVROs are typically requested by law enforcement or immediate family members in response to acute threats, but district attorneys are not authorized under existing law to petition for such orders. Assembly Bill 1344 addresses this gap, recognizing that district attorneys often have access to critical information from multiple sources, including law enforcement, and victim advocacy organizations, positioning them to act quickly and effectively to prevent potential tragedies.
The bill introduces a targeted pilot program that will allow the Ventura and El Dorado County District Attorneys’ Offices to petition for both emergency temporary and final GVROs. This move is expected to enhance the responsiveness of the justice system in preventing gun violence. In addition, AB 1344 includes provisions for transparency, mandating annual reporting on the bill’s outcomes to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis, ensuring ongoing evaluation of its effectiveness.
“The District Attorney’s office is uniquely positioned to quickly evaluate threats, navigate complex legal standards, and ensure community safety,” El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson said. “Our prosecutors are experienced in assessing risk, presenting evidence clearly, and acting swiftly to protect the public. This pilot program empowers us to proactively prevent tragedies, leveraging our resources and expertise for the direct benefit of the community.”
Ethan Murray from GIFFORDS emphasized that this bill represents a critical step in advancing public safety by empowering local district attorneys when faced with imminent firearm-related threats. “GVROs are particularly effective in suicide prevention and in cases where an individual exhibits warning signs of mass violence. We strongly support AB 1344,” he said.
The bill will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.