AB-2004 • 2026

Peace officers: deputy sheriffs.

Firearms

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Alanis
Last action: 2026-04-06
Official status: In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about limitations on deputy sheriffs' authority outside of emergencies beyond performing custodial duties.

Deputy Sheriffs in Peace Officer Category

This law adds deputy sheriffs from Fresno County and San Joaquin County to the list of peace officers who can perform certain duties statewide during emergencies.

What This Bill Does

Adds deputy sheriffs employed by Fresno County or San Joaquin County to a specific category of peace officers.
Allows these deputy sheriffs to have law enforcement powers statewide when directed by their agency during a local state of emergency.

Who It Names or Affects

Deputy sheriffs in Fresno County and San Joaquin County
Law enforcement agencies in Fresno County and San Joaquin County

Terms To Know

Peace Officer: A person who is authorized by law to enforce the law, make arrests, and carry firearms.
Custodial Assignments: Duties related to maintaining county facilities such as jails or detention centers.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not change the authority of deputy sheriffs outside of emergencies unless they are performing custodial duties.
It is unclear if there will be additional training requirements for these deputies due to expanded powers.

Bill History

2026-04-06 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-04-06 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 60. Noes 0.)
2026-03-26 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-03-25 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24).
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2026-03-18 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2026-02-18 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 20.
2026-02-17 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2004, as amended, Alanis.
Peace officers: deputy sheriffs.
Existing law establishes categories of peace officers with varying powers and authority to make arrests and carry firearms. Under existing law, in certain counties, including the Counties of Butte and Calaveras, a deputy sheriff, who is employed to perform duties exclusively or initially relating to custodial assignments with responsibilities for maintaining the operations of county custodial facilities, is a peace officer whose authority extends to any place in the state only while engaged in the performance of the duties of the officer’s employment and for the purpose of carrying out the primary function of employment relating to the officer’s custodial assignments, or when performing other law enforcement duties directed by the officer’s employing agency during a local state of emergency.
This bill would include a deputy sheriff employed by
the County of Fresno or
the County of San Joaquin within that definition of peace officer.
The bill would make related findings and declarations.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF