CA AB1974

Authorizes local police departments and sheriff's departments to create voluntary firearm storage programs allowing individuals to temporarily transfer custody of their firearms for safekeeping to prevent firearm violence, suicide, and other injury

Requires participating law enforcement agencies to have the capability to store firearms for a minimum of one year and provide clear public instructions on transfer and retrieval procedures

Mandates law enforcement check the Automated Firearms System upon receiving firearms to verify they are not reported lost, stolen, or involved in crimes, and verify the person's eligibility to possess firearms before return

Requires destruction of firearms that owners fail to retrieve by the deadline specified by the law enforcement agency

Shields law enforcement agencies from liability for damage to firearms while in temporary custody and encourages agencies to inform family law advocates and veterans' outreach programs about the storage option