Relating to less-lethal force weapons, including a defense to prosecution for certain offenses involving the use of a less lethal force weapon by a peace officer, and policies for law enforcement agencies concerning use of less-lethal force weapons.

SB 1421 creates a legal defense for peace officers who use less-lethal force weapons (like stun guns) if they reasonably believed it was necessary for their duties and followed agency policies, training, and manufacturer instructions. It requires law enforcement agencies to adopt specific policies on less-lethal weapon use and mandates that each officer on duty must have at least one such weapon. The bill directly affects police officers, correctional guards, and their agencies by changing prosecution standards for injuries or deaths caused by these weapons and setting minimum equipment standards. Key provisions include new justification criteria in the Penal Code and updated agency policy requirements under the Occupations Code. The law applies to offenses committed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate effect).