Bill > AB271

This bill modifies California's existing laws regarding looting during states of emergency or local emergencies by making several key changes to criminal penalties. The bill reclassifies looting offenses to be more consistently punishable as felonies, specifically for second-degree burglary, grand theft, and petty theft committed during emergencies like earthquakes, fires, floods, or riots. Under the new provisions, looting through second-degree burglary or grand theft will now be punishable by imprisonment under state prison guidelines, instead of county jail time. Petty theft during emergencies will also be redefined as looting and can now be punished by either county jail time or felony charges. Additionally, the bill introduces a new penalty enhancement for individuals who impersonate first responders (such as peace officers, firefighters, or government employees) while committing looting, which would add an extra two-year consecutive sentence. The bill maintains existing provisions allowing courts some discretion in sentencing, such as the ability to reduce mandatory jail time if the court determines it serves the interests of justice. Importantly, the bill does not require state reimbursement for implementing these changes, as they primarily involve modifications to criminal penalties.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB271