California lawmakers pass ban on electric shock gloves

California lawmakers have passed legislation to ban the use and possession of electric shock gloves by state and local law enforcement agencies until 2030. The move, spearheaded by Democratic legislators, comes in response to reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is moving forward with plans to deploy the devices.

ICE recently awarded a $16.7 million contract to Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies LLC for 6,000 pairs of the gloves, known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter). While the manufacturer markets the product as a non-lethal de-escalation tool, critics and civil rights advocates argue the devices are dangerous and prone to misuse.

The legislation, including Assembly Bill 2760, also seeks to prevent California police departments from using state funds to purchase such devices. Additionally, related efforts aim to restrict the hiring of former federal immigration agents for state and local positions to limit federal enforcement tactics within the state.