Self-defense.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The Preemptive Self Defense Act of 2026 lets anyone who reasonably believes they face an immediate bodily‑harm threat to lawfully resist, as long as the force used matches the threat and stops when the danger ends. It also bars civil lawsuits against those who act within these limits, regardless of their training or fighting background. The bill updates California’s Civil and Penal Codes to clarify these rights.

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

Vote

From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24). · Mar 25, 2026

Hearings

• Judiciary Committee Hearing
  Judiciary · Apr 28, 2026
• Public Safety Committee Hearing
  Public Safety · Mar 24, 2026
• Public Safety
  Public Safety · Mar 24, 2026

History

1. Apr 28, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Testimony taken.
2. Apr 6, 2026Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
3. Apr 6, 2026In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
4. Mar 26, 2026Read second time and amended.
5. Mar 25, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24).
6. Mar 9, 2026Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and JUD.
7. Feb 21, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
8. Feb 20, 2026Read first time. To print.

Sponsors

• Flora · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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