SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Asm. Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins introduced legislation to prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from purchasing, possessing, or using taser shock gloves and similar wearable conducted-energy devices.
The legislation comes as law enforcement agencies across the country begin adopting
wearable devices capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct physical contact.
The technology has already entered school environments. In Omaha, Nebraska, the
Omaha Police Department purchased 40 G.L.O.V.E. devices for approximately $66,000
and trained school resource officers to use them in schools.
“California should not wait for a tragedy before we act,” said Asm. Dr. Sharp-Collins,
“These devices are a new and largely untested use-of-force technology that can deliver
an electrical shock difficult to see or independently verify. We should not allow our
communities become testing grounds for weapons technology.”
Unlike traditional tasers, wearable shock gloves are designed to deliver an electrical
current through direct skin-to-skin contact. The officer can activate the device while
physically engaging with an individual, creating the potential for repeated or prolonged
electrical exposure. Because the device does not require probes and can be used at close
range, its deployment may be difficult for bystanders, body-worn cameras, or other
oversight mechanisms to identify.
“We shouldn’t allow emerging technologies to outpace meaningful safety standards and
oversight,” said Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank), Chair of the Assembly Public
Safety Committee. “AB 2760 is a reasonable measure that puts public safety and
accountability first.”
The concerns extend beyond whether these devices are adequately regulated. Advocates
and lawmakers are also raising questions about how wearable shock technology could be
used in situations involving vulnerable communities.
“Electric shock gloves are dangerous weapons designed to inflict serious pain and
debilitate people. They enable excessive violence to be used against the public, and ICE
is already planning to add these weapons to their arsenal. This is yet another torture
device for ICE to recklessly terrorize people. AB 2760 is an important step in protecting
Californians from inhumane and unnecessary escalations of force,” shared Asm. Alex Lee
(D-San Jose), Chair of the Legislative Progressive Caucus.
The need for accountability is particularly important as law enforcement agencies gain
access to technologies that can be difficult for the public to observe or evaluate.
“AB 2760 is about making sure public safety never comes at the expense of accountability.
We should not allow California communities to become testing grounds for weapons that
can deliver repeated electrical shocks with little visibility or oversight. I’m proud to support
Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins in drawing a clear line: new technology should
never mean fewer protections for the people we serve,” said Asm. Dr. Corey Jackson (DMoreno Valley), Chair Elect of the Legislative Black Caucus.
As wearable conducted-energy devices enter the marketplace, California has an
opportunity to establish a clear standard: new technology should not automatically mean
new weapons. Public safety must come first, and emerging law enforcement tools should
be subject to meaningful scrutiny before they are deployed in our communities.
AB 2760 will be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee this week.
