Connolly’s Body Armor Restriction Bill Signed into Law

Sacramento, CA – Today Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Damon Connolly’s (D-San Rafael) Assembly Bill (AB) 92, which will keep military-grade body armor out of the hands of convicted criminals. This bill was drafted in response to perpetrators of gun violence using body armor to prolong their violent rampages. Under AB 92, any person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm would also be prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. This is Assemblymember Connolly’s first bill signed into law.

“I am thankful for the governor’s support and the bipartisan support of my colleagues in the State Legislature for this common-sense legislation to protect our communities from gun violence.” said Assemblymember Connolly. “Mass shootings are an epidemic in our country. Keeping this tool out of the hands of potential criminals is an important step in protecting public safety.”

Mass shooters are increasingly using body armor, which in turn prolongs their violent rampages and result in more innocent lives lost. The Violence Project, a non-profit that tracks mass shooting trends, found that a majority of shooters who have worn body armor have done so within the last decade. AB 92 is a solution to help protect innocent bystanders, emergency personnel, and our peace officers.

AB 92 will go into effect in January of 2024.

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Assemblymember Connolly represents the entirety of Marin County and Southern Sonoma County