Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins’s Bill Would Pause Law Enforcement’s Use of Shock Gloves Pending Study

September 17, 2026

California lawmakers have passed legislation that would temporarily ban law enforcement agencies from using electric shock gloves until 2030, while traditional handheld devices like tasers would remain permitted. The bill emerged through a last-minute legislative maneuver after Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins replaced unrelated content with provisions addressing concerns about the safety of wearable electroshock devices, particularly a product called G.L.O.V.E. that ICE purchased for $16. 7 million.

Who is affected

California state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (which awarded a $16.7 million contract for the devices)
Santa Monica and El Monte police departments (which obtained devices for testing)
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office (which purchased 10 shock gloves)
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles Police Department (neither reported using the devices)
Vulnerable populations including immigrants, children, older adults, Black and Brown communities
Governor Gavin Newsom (who must decide on the bill)

What action is being taken

The California Department of Justice is directed to study the devices' safety and community effects
Law enforcement agencies must update their use-of-force policies in accordance with the bill's restrictions
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office had been developing training and policies for the devices before the bill advanced

Why it matters

This legislation is significant because it prioritizes proving public safety technology is safe before deployment rather than implementing restrictions after harm occurs. The bill addresses concerns about insufficient research on wearable electroshock devices and their potential to cause serious injury or death without adequate safeguards and training. It has particular importance for protecting vulnerable populations, including immigrants, children, older adults, and communities of color, who supporters argue could be disproportionately affected or used as "test subjects" for these devices. The legislation represents a precautionary approach to law enforcement technology adoption while balancing public safety concerns raised by opponents.

What's next

Governor Newsom must sign or veto the bill by September 30 (if he takes no action, it becomes law automatically)
The California Department of Justice must report its findings and recommend standards and safeguards to the Legislature by January 1, 2029
The temporary prohibition on wearable electroshock devices would expire on January 1, 2030
The bill's provision restricting federal agencies could face a legal challenge under the U.S. Constitution's supremacy clause

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint