SACRAMENTO, CA – On January 30, 2026, Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 937 to severely restrict the use of military-style weapons, specifically flashbang grenades and explosive breaching devices, in law enforcement operations. 

The bill comes as the nation and communities across California experience escalated immigration enforcement tactics and aggressive military-style enforcement during recent peaceful protests. 

In one incident, a Los Angeles resident was believed to be struck by a flashbang device that detonated on impact, causing him to lose a finger. In another incident in Huntington Park, federal agents blew off the door of a family’s home using explosives while children ages 6 and 1 were sleeping inside. In a separate out-of-state incident in Minneapolis, where federal immigration enforcement has carried out some of the most deadly and brutal tactics, a protester described seeing approximately a dozen officers suddenly throw flashbang devices in their direction. The protester was struck in the knee and could see fragments from the device embedded in her leg.

“The military-style violence being used against our communities must stop. There is no justification and no safety in using flashbangs and explosives against peaceful protesters and people who pose no threat. Law enforcement is entrusted to protect public safety, not undermine it. The escalating violence we are seeing, especially from federal immigration agents, is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to continue. SB 937 puts people’s safety first. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and move it forward quickly to protect California families,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach).

The seemingly indiscriminate use of less than lethal weapons has been a growing concern as more and more civilians experience bodily harm under this federal administration’s attempts to silence those who oppose their authoritarian agenda and mass immigration policies and tactics. 

These weapons carry serious risks and can cause severe injuries when used. Flashbang devices can generate noise exceeding 170 decibels, which is more than ten times louder than most gunshots. When detonated, they also produce an intense bright flash and reach temperatures above 3,000 degrees Celsius. Together, these effects can cause temporary blindness, hearing loss, disorientation, thermal burns, lung injuries, and internal hemorrhaging. When deployed as projectiles via grenade launchers and aimed incorrectly, they can result in traumatic brain injuries and head wounds. Additionally, the dangerous and frightening aftereffects of a flashbang detonation can lead to panic or falls, creating further injuries and serious risks to public safety.

The bill was introduced on January 29, 2026, and awaits its first policy committee assignments.  

Find SB 937 bill language and fact sheet at: sd33.senate.ca.gov/legislation

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Senator Lena Gonzalez proudly represents one million residents in California’s 33rd Senate District, which encompasses Southeast Los Angeles, the City and Port of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Catalina Island. She serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and is a dedicated advocate on key priorities that impact Californians from economic development and environmental justice to LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, digital equity and more. Senator Gonzalez has championed major policies, including broadband for all, expanding paid sick leave, advancing clean transportation incentives, and ending neighborhood oil drilling. She lives in Long Beach with her family. To learn more, visit www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez.