IEFV | New Laws Addressing Firearms Risks in Court Proceedings and Related Contexts

In Fall 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law over 20 new bills addressing risks associated with access to firearms. These bills were in addition to significant policies enacted over the past several years. Attorneys, judges, and other professionals play a key role in implementing these policies that are designed to increase safety for families and the broader community. This session will provide an overview of current firearms violence prevention efforts; an explanation of key legal requirements and policies impacting family law and other civil and criminal proceedings; and concrete examples of questions and approaches to consider in working with litigants and clients and in crafting parenting plan agreements and orders not only in domestic violence matters but more broadly as well. In this presentation, we will cover new law and practical approaches to implementing these policies.

Topics will include:

• SB 899 which will, effective Jan. 1, 2026, require courts, prosecuting attorneys, and law enforcement to implement firearms relinquishment procedures similar to SB 320’s requirements for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
• SB 599 impacting child custody and visitation orders and access to firearms
• AB 1974 requiring child custody mediators and evaluators receive training on firearms-related risks
• New Judicial Council forms will also be available as of January 1, 2026
• Other newly enacted legislation signed in the fall of 2025 will also be covered

Speakers will include:

Julia Weber, Retired Annuitant/Firearms Policy, Judicial Council of California, Criminal Justice Services

Lieutenants Johnathan Bailey and Daniel Gonzalez, Orange County Family Justice Center Commanders, Anaheim Police Department

Participants will:

• Learn about new laws that address firearms risks in court proceedings and related contexts
• Understand parenting plan provisions and other practices to reduce risk and increase safety for practitioners, clients, and litigants
• Review key questions and approaches to take in practice across domestic violence, child custody, elder abuse, civil, and criminal matters
• Hear about new forms and processes in court proceedings regarding firearm relinquishment compliance, exemptions, notification, and service
• Learn about the role of law enforcement in firearms relinquishment and service of process

Attendees will include attorneys, legal professionals, community advocates, law enforcement, and other interested participants.

Attendance is free; coffee and pastries will be served.