AB1753 (2026): Protective Orders and Firearms Surrender

What the Bill Would Do

Assembly Bill 1753 addresses the intersection of protective orders and firearm possession in California^[1]. Under current California law, individuals subject to certain protective orders — including domestic violence restraining orders (Family Code 6218), civil harassment restraining orders (CCP 527.6), and Gun Violence Restraining Orders (PC 18100-18205) — are required to surrender their firearms and ammunition. The surrender process is governed by PC 18120 and Family Code 6389, which set timelines and procedures for relinquishment.

Compliance with firearm surrender orders has been a persistent enforcement challenge. Studies have found significant gaps between the number of protective orders issued and the number of verified firearm surrenders. AB1753 appears to address these enforcement gaps^[2].

Current Status

AB1753 was set for its first committee hearing, but the hearing was canceled at the author's request on March 11, 2026. Author-requested cancellations typically indicate the bill is being revised, negotiations are ongoing with stakeholders, or the bill is being consolidated with another measure. The bill remains technically alive.

What to Watch

The hearing cancellation is not necessarily a sign the bill is dead — it may be undergoing revisions before its next hearing. The underlying issue of protective order firearm surrender compliance remains a high priority for the Legislature. Watch for the bill to be reset for hearing with amended language. In the meantime, individuals subject to protective orders should be aware that existing surrender requirements under PC 18120 and Family Code 6389 remain fully in effect, with strict timelines (typically 24-48 hours from service of the order).