By Redaccion
Redaccion@latinocc.com
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified before the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee this week, voicing strong support for Assembly Bill 1344.
Authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the bill seeks to expand the authority to request Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) — commonly known as Red Flag Laws — to include district attorneys. These orders allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a serious threat to themselves or others.
“Following the 2018 Borderline shooting, I’ve championed efforts to strengthen GVROs,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “District attorneys, with their courtroom presence and legal insight, are an ideal addition to the list of authorized petitioners.”
Nasarenko, joined by a representative from GIFFORDS — a gun safety organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords — stressed the importance of allowing prosecutors to act swiftly in dangerous situations. AB 1344 was unanimously approved by the committee.
“This legislation is a balanced, common-sense approach to public safety,” Nasarenko said. “It empowers prosecutors with the tools to act quickly and allows police and emergency responders to focus on critical fieldwork instead of court appearances.”
Currently, only law enforcement officers and immediate family members can request GVROs. AB 1344 closes that gap by recognizing that prosecutors often have access to intelligence from multiple sources, including police and victim advocates, allowing for earlier intervention in potentially violent situations.
The bill establishes a pilot program in Ventura and El Dorado counties, granting district attorneys the authority to file for both emergency and final GVROs. The legislation also includes transparency measures, requiring annual reports to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis to evaluate its effectiveness.
“Our office is well-positioned to evaluate threats, apply legal standards, and protect the community,” said El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson. “This bill allows us to act decisively and prevent tragedies before they occur.”
Ethan Murray from GIFFORDS praised the measure, noting its relevance in suicide prevention and mass violence threats. “We firmly support AB 1344 as a life-saving tool,” he said.
The bill is scheduled for its next hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
