Assembly Bill 1333, introduced by Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Los Angeles), is officially dead for the 2025 legislative session. Originally intended to redefine the limits of self-defense, the bill met a swift and overwhelming opposition campaign, leading to its withdrawal.
As reported by Evan Symon of The California Globe, Zbur framed the bill as a way to close “dangerous loopholes” in self-defense laws. Still, critics argued it went much further, effectively restricting individuals’ right to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Self-Defense at Risk: What AB 1333 Proposed
According to Symon, AB 1333 aimed to eliminate certain justifications for homicide, including self-defense in the face of a violent attack. The bill would have also introduced a duty to retreat, meaning that individuals facing danger – even in their own homes – would have been legally required to attempt escape before using force. Law enforcement groups, gun rights advocates, and self-defense proponents quickly sounded the alarm, warning that the bill would make Californians more vulnerable to criminals.
Bipartisan Resistance to the Bill
Opposition to AB 1333 wasn’t confined to one political party. While Republicans like Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) strongly condemned the bill, saying it was an “assault on self-defense,” some Democrats also expressed concerns. As the backlash mounted, Zbur attempted to clarify the bill’s language, insisting that it was not meant to infringe on anyone’s right to protect their home or family. However, those assurances failed to convince the growing number of critics.
CRPA and Law Enforcement Mobilize Against AB 1333
The California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) played a major role in defeating AB 1333. In a recent episode of CRPA TV, host Kevin Small and CRPA’s legislative director Rick Travis detailed how their organization spearheaded an aggressive campaign against the bill. Travis highlighted that CRPA, along with law enforcement groups like the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), worked tirelessly to educate lawmakers and the public about the bill’s dangers.
The Rapid Collapse of AB 1333
One of the most remarkable aspects of AB 1333’s defeat was how quickly it unraveled. Travis pointed out that the bill was pulled relatively early in the legislative process, an uncommon outcome for a piece of legislation of this magnitude. The sheer amount of public opposition, combined with pressure from law enforcement and gun rights groups, left Zbur with little choice but to withdraw the bill before it could be debated in committee.
Zbur’s Last-Minute Attempt to Save Face
Before officially pulling the bill, Zbur made a last-minute amendment to clarify its language. However, Travis argued on CRPA TV that this was merely a political move to shift blame onto “misleading information.” Symon’s reporting echoed this, quoting Zbur as saying that confusion over the bill was to blame for its failure. But as Travis put it, “There is no confusion. He’s outright not telling the truth.” The evidence was clear: the bill was an attack on self-defense rights, and the public saw through it.
The Castle Doctrine and the Push to Weaken It
At the core of this debate is the Castle Doctrine – the long-standing legal principle that allows individuals to use force to defend their homes from intruders. AB 1333 sought to undermine this by requiring Californians to consider retreating before acting in self-defense. Small, in his CRPA TV segment, pointed out that such provisions have historically been used in anti-gun states to criminalize otherwise lawful acts of self-defense.
Why Did Law Enforcement Oppose AB 1333?
If AB 1333 was truly about preventing “wannabe vigilantes,” as Zbur claimed, why did so many in law enforcement speak out against it? That’s a question Frank Ma, a former law enforcement official, posed in his interview with The California Globe. The answer is simple: officers and security professionals understood that the bill would have made it harder for victims to defend themselves while doing little to deter actual crime. As Travis explained, the duty to retreat is difficult to enforce and puts an unfair burden on crime victims.
The Danger of Anti-Self-Defense Laws
It’s hard to overstate how dangerous AB 1333 could have been if it had passed. Laws like this don’t just fail to stop crime – they actively encourage it. If criminals know that law-abiding citizens are required by law to retreat, they become emboldened. This isn’t just theoretical; we’ve seen similar policies fail in other states. Small and Travis made a compelling point that AB 1333 was never about safety – it was about controlling lawful gun owners and restricting their ability to defend themselves.
Will This Fight Return?
Even though AB 1333 is dead for now, this likely won’t be the last time California lawmakers attempt to weaken self-defense laws. Travis warned that similar efforts will return, likely disguised under different legislative wording. The fight for the right to self-defense isn’t over, and gun rights advocates must remain vigilant. As CRPA and its coalition partners have shown, grassroots opposition can be powerful, but it requires ongoing engagement.
A Rare Pro-2A Victory in California
California isn’t known for victories when it comes to Second Amendment rights, but the defeat of AB 1333 is a reminder that advocacy works. As CRPA TV emphasized, gun owners, law enforcement, and self-defense advocates came together and sent a clear message: Californians will not tolerate laws that make them less safe. The quick demise of this bill should serve as a warning to lawmakers – efforts to undermine self-defense will be met with fierce resistance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for 2A Advocacy?
The question now is what comes next. As Travis noted, CRPA and its allies are already preparing for future battles. Lawmakers may try to introduce similar legislation under a different name, but the growing pro-2A movement in California is more organized than ever. If this victory proves anything, it’s that when people push back, bad laws can be stopped. Californians who care about their right to self-defense should take note – this is a fight worth staying engaged in.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.