California has once again taken gun control to a new level. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 1344 into law — a bill that significantly expands red flag confiscation powers in the state. This new law launches a pilot program in four counties: Ventura, Santa Clara, El Dorado, and Alameda, giving even more authority to state officials to file Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs). This expansion could easily double the number of red flag orders issued in California — which already leads the nation in confiscations.

Under existing California law, a wide range of people can file for a GVRO against you — including neighbors, roommates, romantic partners, family members, co-workers, employers, and even your child’s school officials. Now, thanks to AB 1344, District Attorneys can also initiate red flag orders.

To make matters worse, all data from this pilot program will be shared with research groups that have a history of supporting stricter gun control. The goal? To study and find new ways to further expand red flag laws statewide.

Since GVRO laws took effect in 2016, California has issued more than 11,000 confiscation orders — many against citizens who haven’t been charged with a single crime. The number already exceeds 7,000 verified cases in less than a decade.

In Santa Clara County, officials issued 700 GVROs in 2024 alone, averaging nearly two per day. Despite these staggering numbers, District Attorney Jeff Rosen has publicly stated that his office “can do better” and plans to push for even more filings by “raising awareness” among law enforcement.

Opponents argue that these laws strip individuals of their Second Amendment rights without due process. Once a GVRO is filed, a judge can approve it without the accused even being present in court. Law enforcement then confiscates the person’s firearms and prevents them from acquiring new ones — all before any crime is proven.

Many gun rights advocates, including Will from Copper Jacket TV, see this as nothing more than “backdoor confiscation” disguised as public safety. As he explains, simply owning body armor or displaying firearms responsibly could be enough for someone to file a red flag against you in California.

While supporters claim red flag laws prevent violence, critics see them as an unconstitutional power grab. With the passage of AB 1344, California’s approach to gun confiscation is likely to become even more aggressive — and other states may soon follow suit.

As awareness spreads, Will urges gun owners to stay vigilant, know their rights, and choose their circles wisely, especially in states where due process is being replaced by suspicion.

California’s AB 1344 dramatically increases who can red flag you and could set the stage for a statewide expansion of confiscation powers. Whether you’re a California gun owner or a supporter of constitutional rights nationwide, this development is one to watch closely.