More Sheriffs Oppose California Bill Making Self-Defense Illegal

Opposition against a bill that would severely limit self defense against crime in the state grew over the weekend, with several more sheriffs and law enforcement agencies coming out against the bill.

Amongst the notable new opponents against the Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Los Angeles) authored Assembly Bill 1333 are Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea and Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain. Both of the Sheriffs agree that the language of the bill makes it so that homeowners can’t adequately protect their own property and that the wording was way too vague. According to the bill, AB 1333 would eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including in defense of a habitation or property. The bill would additionally clarify circumstances in which homicide is not justifiable, including when a person uses more force than necessary to defend against a danger.

“I had a chance to review the proposed legislation and it occurs to me that it is a solution looking for a problem to solve and regrettably it is a poor solution at that,” said Sheriff Honea. “It would negatively impact a person’s inalienable right to defend themselves or others against attack. The language in there creates an unreasonable and subjective standard for people who legitimately fear for their lives. It’s another example of how legislators in Sacramento create bad public policy that favor criminals and penalize victims.”

“We are swinging so far outside the realm of what is reasonable by telling people now that under certain circumstances, they can’t protect themselves in their own home against a criminal element is probably one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard of,” added Sheriff Kain. “I don’t know how you could modify it that would make it any other way than the way that I read it, which is that we are trying to make it illegal to defend yourself in your own home. Me and California’s 57 other Sheriffs will be discussing this at our next meeting.”

In addition to the near-universal opposition from law enforcement, groups including the NRA and crime survivors organizations have also come out against AB 1333.

Backlash against AB 1333

Backlash against the bill first came immediately following its introduction last week. Several sheriffs and police chiefs, including Riverside County Sheriff and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco voiced opposition, as did lawmakers like Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale). The sheer volume of opposition forced Zbur to come out and make a statement that both defended his bill and promised amendments to clarify the bills language.

“AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim’s right to defend yourself, your family, or home,” said Zbur posting on X last week. “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.”

However, his statement only worsened the matter, with many pointing out that Rittenhouse legitimately defended himself during an incident in Wisconsin in 2020 and was later acquitted. As a result, more sheriffs like Honea and Kain came out against the bill.

The group Moms Demand Action, a main supporter of the bill, also went into damage control, releasing a fact sheet of the bill saying that AB 1333 would be a “anti-Stand Your Ground measure that does not impact the “Castle Doctrine””. In addition, they claimed that it ” promotes safe de-escalation when possible in conflicts outside the home”.

“MYTH: This bill makes it illegal for Californians to defend themselves unless you first flee,” noted Moms Demand Action. “This is false. If a person is under attack, and it’s necessary to use deadly force to protect themselves from serious harm, they are still entitled to use deadly force. What this legislation does is make clear that Californians must avoid killing others if it’s not truly necessary—that they must de-escalate or disengage if possible.”

Despite this, opposition against AB 1333 continued to grow on Monday, with Zbur’s team currently amending the bill for clarification.

“What they need to worry about is that next Sheriff’s meeting,” added Frank Ma, a former law enforcement official who now works as a security advisor for businesses in San Francisco and cities in the Peninsula, to the Globe on Monday. “If a good amount of them leave that meeting with a joint statement announcing their opposition, that bill they’re attempting won’t work. Same with what police chiefs say.

“Californians care a lot about crime and security right now, and this bill hurting their right to defend won’t sit well with the majority of people. You mentioned amendments? Those are going to have to be some amazing amendments for this to work.”