Bill > H1510

This bill aims to significantly increase the penalties for impersonating a police officer, a crime where someone falsely claims to be law enforcement. It proposes to amend existing laws by removing references to "police officer" in certain sections, likely to broaden the scope of impersonation offenses. The core of the bill introduces new penalties: falsely assuming the role of a police officer without further embellishment could lead to up to five years in state prison or a fine and jail time. If the impersonation involves wearing a police uniform or possessing a badge resembling an official one, the penalties escalate to a maximum of ten years in state prison or a substantial fine. The most severe penalties, up to twenty-five years in state prison, are reserved for those who impersonate an officer while wearing a uniform or possessing a badge and then commit a felony. Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone selling police uniforms or badges must verify the purchaser's identity and contact the relevant police department for confirmation. It also criminalizes the unauthorized use of flashing blue or red lights or strobe lights on a vehicle, treating it as police impersonation with penalties of up to two years in state prison and a fine, while unauthorized possession of such lights carries a lesser fine. Finally, it empowers police officers to confiscate unauthorized lights from vehicles and personnel until proper authorization is presented.