AB 1955: Crimes: firearm enhancements.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Under existing law, anyone who personally uses a firearm in the commission of a specified felony offense shall be punished by an additional and consecutive term of imprisonment in the state prison for 10 years, or by 20 years if they discharge the firearm, or by imprisonment for 25 years to life if they discharge the firearm and proximately causes great bodily harm. Existing law prohibits the application of these firearm enhancements to the lawful use or discharge of a firearm by a peace officer, under specified circumstances, or by any person in lawful self-defense, lawful defense of another, or lawful defense of property.

This bill would, notwithstanding the exemption above, prohibit the application of these firearm enhancements to a peace officer, as defined, unless the use or discharge of the firearm did not arise out of and was not in the course of employment. The bill would place the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence on the prosecution that the firearm enhancements apply to a peace officer. The bill would define “arise out of and in the course of employment” for these purposes. By placing the burden of proof on, and thus imposing a new duty on, local prosecutors, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 18, 2026In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2. March 17, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
3. March 10, 2026Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
4. March 9, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
5. March 2, 2026Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
6. February 14, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 16.
7. February 13, 2026Read first time. To print.