Assembly Bill 2759: Firearms -Domestic Violence Protections.

AB 2759 became law on January 1, 2025. It mandates that anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order must immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition. Previously, some exceptions allowed individuals to retain their weapons under vague professional exemptions. That loophole is now closed.

The bill is especially relevant in places like Orange County, where domestic violence cases remain high. In 2021 alone, 1,072 children were taken into protective custody in Orange County. Courts across the state are now enforcing AB 2759 with urgency.

At the Lamoreaux Justice Center (341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868), judges are issuing surrender orders in accordance with the new laws. Any violations near Santa Ana could lead violators to be booked into the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana (550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703).

Domestic violence can have far-reaching implications for a family law case. When there is credible evidence of abuse, judges prioritize the safety of the victim and any children involved. Judges have the authority to order supervised visitations, restricted parenting time, or even the denial of custody rights. The courts take these matters seriously due to the physical and emotional harm that can befall children.

New Rules for Custody & Visitation 

In 2025, California rolled out new rules to better protect children in custody and visitation cases, particularly when there are claims of abuse or substance use. With the help of Senate Bill 599, which passed into law, courts are now required to be more specific when writing orders. This means that judges must clearly explain how these orders keep kids safe, especially if one parent has a troubled history.

Parents cannot agree on vague plans anymore. If they work out a custody deal themselves, it has to include details like exact times, places, and how the kids will be exchanged. Judges must also be clear about why the plan is safe and how it serves the child’s best interest.

Another big change is that the courts now recognize virtual visitation as a real, enforceable option. This means FaceTime or Zoom calls can officially count as parenting time, whether supervised or not, depending on the situation. The goal of the changes is to reduce confusion and ensure child safety. These updates apply statewide, from places like Orange County’s Lamoreaux Justice Center to smaller courts in rural areas.

California Now Protects Child Influencer Earnings

Starting in 2025, California parents who profit from social media posts featuring their kids will be required to share that income. Under new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, any child featured in monetized online content like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram must have at least 15% of those earnings set aside in a protected trust until the child turns 18.

The rules apply to content that earns more than 10 cents per view and features children regularly. Parents must track how often their kids appear and how much money those appearances generate. If parents fail to follow this law, their children will have the right to file a civil claim once they turn 18.

This is a modern update to California’s 1939 Coogan Law, which was one of the country’s first laws to protect child actors. The law was initially passed after child actor Jackie Coogan came of age and learned that his parents had spent his Hollywood earnings. The new law takes the evolving role of technology into account. The new law was backed by SAG-AFTRA and former child star Demi Lovato. Kids are no longer treated as content and have recognized rights to earned income.

Senate Bill 331

Senate Bill 331, later known as Piqui’s Law, was signed into law in 2023 and became effective in January 2023. The law adds critical protections for children in California family court proceedings. Named after a five-year-old who was murdered by his father after a contentious custody dispute, the law is designed to prioritize child safety above all in cases involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse.

Piqui’s Law restricts the use of reunification programs that may place children in harm’s way. Specifically, it prohibits courts from ordering therapies or services that require children to be physically transferred to an abusive parent. The law also enforces no-contact orders with protective parents as a condition of participation. The law further bans the use of private transport services for forced reunification, a practice that has been heavily criticized in the past.

The law requires judges and court officials to receive training on the dynamics of abuse and trauma. This reinforces the importance of court officials understanding how domestic violence impacts a child’s emotional and physical safety. SB 331 is a direct response to public outcry over family court decisions that placed children back into unsafe environments despite documented abuse.

California Concerned Parents Coalition Pushes – Reforms

California’s family courts could be reformed in the near future due to growing frustration in Humboldt County. Parents with the California Concerned Parents Coalition (CCPC) say they are frustrated by what they call a broken system. They are demanding urgent changes to how the family courts operate in Humboldt County. Members of the group claim that false allegations and judicial misconduct lead to unfair and unlawful outcomes in family court.

Many parents say they are separated from their children based on false allegations that are never verified. One parent lost access to his son two years ago. The coalition calls for reforms to California Family Code Section 3027. They want the code to include penalties for any parent who makes false allegations against the other parent.

The proposal would also implement accountability mechanisms for judges who engage in misconduct. It calls for the courts to recognize prolonged separation from a parent as a serious threat to a child’s well-being. The group continues to grow in visibility, using social media and local organizing to mobilize support.