This was a bill that would eliminate ‘stand your ground’ and mandate that a person must retreat before being allowed to defend themselves. There was massive ‘pushback’ statewide and Zbur apparently got the cluebat applied.

California self-defense bill pulled due to ‘misleading information’
A California bill targeting self-defense loopholes is being withdrawn over ‘misleading information.’

CALIFORNIA, USA — A California bill aimed at closing a legal loophole related to self-defense claims is being withdrawn due to ‘misleading information.’

Assemblymember Rich Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) said Wednesday he was withdrawing the bill. AB 1333 stirred fears from critics that it could create confusion about when the use of deadly force is legally justified, limiting an individual’s right to protect themselves.

“Protecting public safety has always been my top priority. AB 1333 sought to close a dangerous legal loophole that could allow armed aggressors to initiate confrontations in public, kill their victims, and then exploit self-defense laws to escape accountability. The bill does not change the long-standing Castle Doctrine and was never intended to affect anyone’s ability to protect themselves, their family, or their home. As a father and as the victim of a home invasion myself, I understand how essential the right to self defense is,” Zbur said.

One provision in the bill would have no longer justified killing someone in certain situations, such as when protecting one’s home or belongings. Critics argued that it didn’t fully account for real-world scenarios.

He said the misleading information caused confusion and fear, leading to the bill’s withdrawal once it is referred to committee Thursday and amended for clarity.

“I remain committed to keeping our communities safe and will continue working with law enforcement, legal experts, and public and gun safety advocates to advance smart policies that protect victims and safeguard the right to self defense. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and gun safety groups for their unwavering dedication to public safety and their hard work on this effort,” Zbur said.

The bill was designed to close loopholes following a 2022 Supreme Court ruling expanding the right to carry handguns in public for self-defense.