Crimes: looting.

Assembly Members Gabriel, Irwin, and Pacheco propose comprehensive changes to California's looting laws, expanding criminal penalties for theft-related crimes committed during emergencies and establishing new provisions against impersonating emergency personnel. The legislation redefines looting to encompass first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, grand theft, trespass, and vehicle theft when committed in evacuation zones.

The bill introduces the concept of "evacuation zones," which include areas under mandatory evacuation orders or warnings, as well as residential properties undergoing post-disaster reconstruction. Within these zones, enhanced penalties apply to specified crimes. First-degree burglary would be punishable by two to seven years in state prison, while second-degree burglary and most grand theft offenses would result in county jail or state prison terms. The legislation maintains existing penalties for similar crimes committed during declared emergencies outside evacuation zones.

A new criminal offense targets individuals who impersonate emergency personnel during disasters or evacuations. The measure prohibits unauthorized persons from wearing uniforms or displaying insignia of law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel, or other emergency responders with fraudulent intent. Violations constitute either misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in county jail or felonies carrying state prison terms. Additionally, those convicted of looting while impersonating emergency personnel face consecutive prison terms of one to three years.