Assembly Bill 1344, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, successfully passed out of the State Assembly on Monday, September 8, and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration. The bill would authorize a pilot program allowing district attorneys in select counties to directly petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), commonly referred to as “Red Flag Laws.” Governor Newsom has until October 12 to sign or veto the measure. If no action is taken, it will automatically become law.
District Attorney Nasarenko testified in July before the California State Senate Public Safety Committee in support of AB 1344, which is designed to significantly enhance public safety by allowing prosecutors to act swiftly when an individual poses a significant risk to themselves or others. The bill passed a full Senate vote on September 4, 2025.
“When someone poses an imminent threat of violence to themselves or others by having a firearm, gun violence restraining orders can be a lifesaving tool,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Local prosecutors are uniquely qualified to assist law enforcement in obtaining these restraining orders and AB 1344 gives us the legal authority to step in and prevent tragedy before it happens. I urge the Governor to sign Assemblymember Irwin’s sensible bill into law.”
The bill initially established a targeted pilot program for district attorneys in Ventura and El Dorado counties. An amendment has since expanded the program to include Alameda and Santa Clara counties, strengthening the bill’s reach and impact.
Despite proximity to the courts and access to critical information, district attorneys are not currently permitted to directly file for GVROs under existing law. AB 1344 would change that by allowing prosecutors to swiftly intervene when time-sensitive threats arise, including filing emergency and final GVROs.
“The frequency of mass shootings committed with legally purchased firearms continues to drive home the point that removing firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves, or others is perhaps the first line of defense in preventing tragedies,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “The expanded use of Gun Violence Restraining Orders has proven to be an effective tool to address this issue. I am thankful to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, who has been steadfast in his support of my efforts to pass legislation that would authorize a pilot program to allow District Attorney’s to petition for GVRO’s. The data gathered through this pilot program could lead to statewide legislation that would have a significant impact on gun violence in California. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature, which I urge him to do as quickly as possible to fast track this life saving effort.”
The bill also requires annual reporting to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis beginning in 2027. These reports will track GVRO data and outcomes to support evidence-based policy decisions.