Bill > ABX112

This bill strengthens California's looting laws by making several key changes to criminal penalties during states of emergency or local emergencies. The bill reclassifies looting offenses, previously punishable as misdemeanors, to felonies, specifically for second-degree burglary, grand theft, and petty theft committed during emergencies like earthquakes, floods, riots, or other disasters. The legislation introduces a new penalty enhancement for individuals who impersonate first responders (such as peace officers, firefighters, or government agency employees) while committing looting offenses, adding an additional two-year consecutive sentence. The bill also maintains provisions for mandatory minimum jail time for those granted probation, though judges retain discretion to reduce sentences in the interest of justice. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions of "state of emergency," "local emergency," and "evacuation order," and specifies that damage to a structure from a disaster does not prevent prosecution. Notably, the bill includes a provision stating that no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes, as they primarily involve modifying criminal penalties.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520261AB12