A bill that would allow California prosecutors to help quickly take firearms away from people who pose a threat is now in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hands, officials announced Thursday — one day after high-profile political influencer Charlie Kirk was publicly assassinated by gunfire.
Assembly Bill 1344, introduced by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, would create a pilot program in Alameda, El Dorado, Santa Clara, and Ventura counties.
The measure would give district attorneys the authority to directly seek Gun Violence Restraining Orders, or GVROs, commonly known as red flag laws.
Red flag laws allow certain individuals — typically family members or law enforcement — to ask a judge to temporarily remove firearms from someone considered a threat to themselves or others. Under current law, prosecutors cannot directly file for GVROs.
The pilot program would run until Jan. 1, 2032.
“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,” Nasarenko said in a statement. “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.”
The legislation also requires annual reports, starting in 2027, to be submitted to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis. The reports would track GVRO data and outcomes to inform future policy decisions.
Kirk’s killing has renewed debate over political violence and gun reform, though federal lawmakers have yet to propose specific new solutions.
Kirk co-founded the nonprofit Turning Point USA in 2012 to advocate for and communicate conservative ideology to high school and college students.