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

AB 1753 has moved well past its canceled early hearings. After amendments, it passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 15 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22, cleared Assembly Appropriations, and passed the Assembly floor on May 26, 2026. In the Senate it passed the Public Safety Committee as amended on June 16 and the Judiciary Committee 12-0 on July 1, and was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 2, 2026. The Legislature is in summer recess until August 3, 2026, and August 31, 2026 is the last day for final passage in the 2025-2026 session.

What to Watch

With both Senate policy committees cleared, the bill's remaining hurdles are Senate Appropriations, a Senate floor vote after the Legislature returns on August 3, 2026, and Assembly concurrence in the Senate amendments. The underlying issue of protective order firearm surrender compliance remains a high priority for the Legislature. The bill was amended repeatedly in both houses, so readers should consult the current text on the Legislature's website for the operative 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).