Self-defense.

Summary

The bill expands California’s self‑defense rules so that anyone who reasonably believes they face an immediate bodily harm can use necessary force to stop the threat. The force must be proportional and must stop when the danger ends, and a person’s training or fighting background cannot be used against them. It also shields them from civil lawsuits unless they were the aggressor or used excessive force.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Public Safety Committee Hearing
  Public Safety · Apr 22, 2025
• Public Safety Committee Hearing
  Public Safety · Apr 8, 2025

History

1. Feb 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. Jan 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. Jan 30, 2026In committee: Set, final hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
4. Apr 22, 2025In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
5. Apr 8, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
6. Mar 25, 2025Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
7. Mar 24, 2025Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and JUD.
8. Mar 24, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
9. Feb 24, 2025Read first time.
10. Feb 22, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.
11. Feb 21, 2025Introduced. To print.

Sponsors

• Flora · sponsor
• Chen

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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