Bill > SB571

This bill addresses several criminal justice provisions related to emergencies and impersonation of first responders. It authorizes courts to consider impersonating emergency personnel as an aggravating factor when sentencing someone for looting, and creates new criminal offenses for fraudulently impersonating first responders during evacuations. Specifically, the bill makes it a misdemeanor or felony to wear, exhibit, or use a first responder's uniform or identification in an evacuation area with fraudulent intent, or to impersonate a first responder online or electronically during an evacuation order or within 30 days after its termination. The bill also clarifies legislative intent regarding aggravated arson, specifying that changes to dollar amount thresholds should be applied prospectively and not retroactively benefit defendants who committed crimes before the amendment. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law about aggravated arson, including its definition and sentencing guidelines, and includes provisions about emergency personnel and first responders. Notably, the bill's implementation is contingent upon the enactment of another bill (AB 468) in the 2025-26 legislative session, and it does not require state reimbursement for local agencies because it primarily creates or modifies criminal offenses.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB571