Long Beach State Senator’s bill limiting flash-bang use advances

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KESQ) - A bill by Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, that would restrict law enforcement's use of flash-bang grenades and explosive breaching charges cleared a key Assembly committee today.   

Senate Bill 937 cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is headed to the Assembly floor for a vote, according to Gonzalez's office.   

The measure would impose restrictions on law enforcement's use of flash-bang grenades and explosive breaching charges, including during immigration enforcement operations, and establish safety, training and accountability standards governing their use.

Flash-bang grenades are explosive devices that produce a bright flash, loud noise and blast pressure and can be deployed by hand or as projectiles. Explosive breaching charges can be used to force entry into buildings by destroying doors, windows or other barriers.

"Families should not have to fear military-style weapons being deployed in their homes, parks, streets, or neighborhoods,'' Gonzalez said in a statement. "Yet we continue to see over and over again, especially in immigration enforcement operations, an alarming and dangerous use of force and fear tactics. SB 937 says no more -- we're putting stronger safeguards in place to prevent unnecessary harm and protect the public."  

Gonzalez's office cited several incidents involving such devices, including a 2025 incident in which a man suffered a severe hand injury after being struck by a flash-bang device and subsequently had an index finger amputated.

Her office also cited an incident in Huntington Park in which federal agents used an explosive breaching charge to force entry into a home where a woman and her two young children were inside.