Impersonation of a peace officer or firefighter during a state of emergency or local emergency.

Senators Valladares and Pérez propose new penalties for individuals who impersonate peace officers or firefighters during declared emergencies in California, allowing these crimes to be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. The legislation amends existing state law, which currently treats such impersonation as a misdemeanor regardless of circumstances.

The bill establishes enhanced verification requirements for the purchase of law enforcement and firefighting uniforms. Vendors must confirm that buyers are authorized personnel by examining official identification or written authorization from the relevant agency. Those who sell uniforms without proper verification face misdemeanor charges and fines up to $1,000. The amendments maintain existing exemptions for theatrical productions and entertainment purposes when prior written permission is obtained from the agency being portrayed.

For retired peace officers, the legislation outlines specific protocols regarding identification badges. Agency heads may issue badges to honorably retired officers, provided they clearly display "Honorably Retired" when not mounted on commemorative plaques. The law excludes officers who accept retirement in lieu of termination and permits agencies to revoke identification if misused.