Law enforcement policies: restraining orders.

Petrie-Norris frames a comprehensive policy that requires designated law enforcement agencies to develop and implement written standards by January 1, 2027 to govern the service, implementation, and enforcement of court protection and restraining orders that include firearm access restrictions, covering a broad set of orders from domestic violence and harassment protections to workplace and school violence restrictions.

The core changes establish a standardized, timely service process and firearm relinquishment at the moment of service. Agencies must ensure their policies align with existing requirements for service and enforcement of protection orders and firearm relinquishment, including recent statutory changes. A standard process must be followed within one business day of service for completing a proof of service, filing with the court, and recording service in the California Restraining and Protective Order System. At the time of service, officers are to notify the restrained person to immediately transfer firearms and other prohibited items, request safe, unloaded transfer, conduct necessary searches, complete a firearm relinquishment form, update the Automated Firearms System, and assess whether other firearms remain in possession. The policy framework also requires pathways for relinquishment when immediate transfer is not possible, with a 24-hour window to provide accessible information on lawful relinquishment options and a 48-hour deadline to verify compliance to the court and agency, plus guidance on notices and potential penalties for noncompliance.

Beyond relinquishment, the policies call for proactive identification of individuals illegally armed in violation of the order, with a range of enforcement options if credible information arises, including direct follow-up, seizure by search or warrant, notifying relevant court and petitioning parties, and possible arrest for violations. Agencies must make the standards publicly accessible and post guidance on how petitioners may request service and how prohibited persons may relinquish firearms to the agency. The measure also emphasizes collaboration with domestic violence service providers, survivor advocates, gun-violence prevention experts, local court staff, and DOJ guidance in the policy-development process.

Implementation and context considerations arc around aligning the new Penal Code framework with existing statutes governing service (Family Code and CCP) and firearm relinquishment, updating data systems (the court’s order-tracking and the Automated Firearms System), and coordinating with campus police, municipal and county agencies, and university systems. The bill contemplates a state-mandated local program with reimbursement mechanisms if costs are determined to be mandated by the state, noting no direct appropriation within the statute. It also delineates the interplay with cross-referenced statutes and the scope exclusion related to financial-abuse orders, anchoring the policy in a broader regulatory environment and anticipated agency workflows.