A new bill would significantly restrict self-defense rights in California, including the rights of people protecting their homes.
The bill’s sponsor, Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Los Angeles), promised to amend the proposal to not take away self-defense rights after Republicans came out against it in force.
The big picture: Assembly Bill 1333 would eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including in defense of a home or property.
- Current state law says homicide is justifiable “when committed in defense of habitation, property, or person” against someone who intends to commit a felony or intends to enter a home with violence.
- Zbur’s bill would delete that protection.
- It would also add a series of circumstances in which homicide is not justifiable, including when a person was outside of their home and knew that using force likely to cause death or great bodily injury could have been avoided with complete safety by retreating. It would also state that homicide is not justifiable when a person uses more force than reasonably necessary to defend against a danger.
Republican outcry: Asm. David Tangipa (R–Clovis) said on X that AB 1333 would make “it illegal to defend yourself in your own home.
- “If you thought California Democrats couldn’t be more out of touch, here’s another example,” Tangipa said. “Where do you retreat if you can’t defend yourself in your own home?”
- Asm. Tom Lackey (R–Palmdale) said on X that the proposal “is a complete assault on self defense!”
- “Imagine this: A violent criminal breaks into your home, and YOU have to second-guess whether defending your family is ‘justifiable,’” Lackey wrote. “The misguided energy behind this proposal is beyond comprehension.”
- Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the only Republican in the race for California Governor in 2026 so far, also spoke out against AB 1333.
- “Sacramento Democrats have spent the last 15 years tying the hands of law enforcement and coddling criminals, using and abusing ordinary Californians in their attempt to make criminals the real victims,” Bianco said. “Now, they’re actively trying to tie the hands of our residents, who have had to defend themselves against re-released career criminals far too often.”
What we’re watching: Zbur responded on X following the severe backlash from Republicans, promising changes to AB 1333.
- “AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim’s right to defend yourself, your family, or home,” Zbur posted. “The goal is to prevent wannabe vigilantes like Kyle Rittenhouse from provoking violence & claiming self defense after the fact. We will amend the bill to make this crystal clear.”
