California Legislature Passed Shock Glove Ban
The bill passed in August and awaits action from Governor Gavin Newsom by the September 30 deadline.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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The California legislature passed Assembly Bill 2760 on August 31, 2026, to implement a moratorium on the use of wearable electroshock devices. The measure seeks to address potential safety risks and must be signed or vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom by September 30, 2026.
Why it matters
Lawmakers introduced the bill to prevent injuries or deaths linked to devices used without established safeguards. Proponents of the legislation specifically cite risks that the technology may pose to immigrants, children, older adults, and people of color.
The legislation passed the California Assembly 55-16 and the Senate 29-9 on August 31, 2026. The state DOJ must submit a report on safety standards and community impacts by January 1, 2029, before the current moratorium expires on January 1, 2030.
The players
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California and must decide whether to sign or veto the legislation by September 30, 2026.
LaShae Sharp-Collins
She is a California Assemblymember who introduced the amended language for Assembly Bill 2760.
California Department of Justice
This state agency is tasked with studying the safety of the devices and reporting findings by 2029.
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
This law enforcement agency previously invested $35,000 to purchase 10 shock gloves and 10 shock bands.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This federal agency entered into a $16.7 million contract to acquire 6,000 pairs of shock gloves.
The details
Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins utilized a gut-and-amend procedure to replace the bill language with these electroshock device provisions. While the ban targets wearable technology, traditional handheld tools like stun guns and tasers remain exempt from the prohibition.
Timeline
August 21, 2026: LaShae Sharp-Collins amended the bill language.
August 31, 2026: The legislature passed the bill.
September 30, 2026: Governor Gavin Newsom faces a deadline to sign or veto.
January 1, 2029: DOJ report on device safety is due.
January 1, 2030: The moratorium on shock gloves concludes.
Political Context
The prohibition on federal agency equipment use potentially conflicts with the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Opponents of the bill may argue that state-level mandates cannot override federal procurement or operational authority regarding law enforcement tools.
Residents may see changes in how local law enforcement agencies equip their officers if the moratorium takes effect. The legislation directly impacts the procurement policies of local police departments, such as those in Santa Monica and El Monte that have previously tested these devices.
The takeaway
This legislative action highlights the growing state-level scrutiny regarding the safety and social impact of non-lethal wearable technology in policing. Residents should monitor the upcoming executive decision to see if these devices remain an available tool for local law enforcement agencies.
What happens next
Governor Gavin Newsom must sign or veto the legislation by September 30, 2026, or the bill will automatically become law.
Further reading
For more information on current state initiatives, visit the California Legislative Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Bay View.
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Should law enforcement agencies be allowed to use new electroshock devices before safety is proven?
