Governor Signs AB 1344 into Law, Empowering District Attorneys to Seek Gun Violence Restraining Orders
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, October 18th, 2025
VENTURA, Calif. – On Friday October 10, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1344, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, officially enacting a pilot program that allows district attorneys in select counties to directly petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), also known as “Red Flag Laws.” The measure authorizes prosecutors in Ventura, El Dorado, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties to petition for GVROs, giving district attorneys the ability to intervene when individuals pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. Existing law authorizes law enforcement officers, family members, coworkers, and others to obtain a GVRO when a person poses an immediate danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm and when less restrictive alternatives are inadequate. Under AB 1344, district attorneys in the four participating counties will also be able to seek a GVRO. “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 (GVRO’s) 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 law also requires annual reporting to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis beginning in 2027, allowing the state to analyze GVRO usage and outcomes to guide future firearm safety policies. *** Title: Communications Manager/PIO Phone: (805) 767-3400 Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov Approved: SW Date: October 13, 2025 Release No.: 25-125 |