Emergencies: crimes.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Chaptered
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill makes several changes to California law related to crimes during emergencies. It expands the definition of ‘looting’ to include crimes committed while impersonating emergency personnel, and creates a new misdemeanor crime for individuals not acting as first responders who wear or use first responder uniforms to fraudulently impersonate them, particularly during evacuation orders. The bill also modifies the definition and aggravating factors of aggravated arson, with a sunset provision for certain changes. Finally, it clarifies penalties for impersonating first responders online or via electronic means during an evacuation.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of looting to include impersonating emergency personnel.
- Creates a new misdemeanor crime for impersonating first responders outside of official duties.
- Modifies the definition of aggravated arson, removing a specific property damage threshold.
- Addresses penalties for impersonating first responders online or through electronic means.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘emergency personnel’ for sentencing purposes.
- Establishes a sunset provision for certain aggravated arson changes.
- Specifies that the state will not reimburse local agencies for costs associated with this bill.
Who is affected
- Individuals accused of crimes
- Emergency responders (police, firefighters, etc.)
- Residents in areas under evacuation orders
- Local law enforcement agencies
Bill text
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