Looting.

Senators Archuleta and Arreguín propose comprehensive changes to California's criminal code addressing looting, burglary, and first responder impersonation during states of emergency. The legislation reclassifies looting as a felony offense and extends its application to include crimes committed within 180 days after an emergency declaration ends.

The bill establishes new penalties for individuals who impersonate first responders during evacuations, whether in person or through electronic means. Offenders face up to one year in county jail, fines up to $20,000, or both. The measure also clarifies that structural damage from natural disasters cannot serve as a defense against burglary charges when properties are targeted during emergencies.

For cases involving aggravated arson, the legislation specifies that amendments to property damage thresholds apply only to future cases, maintaining current standards for existing prosecutions. The measure retains the scheduled 2029 sunset date for certain aggravating factors while preserving mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of looting who receive probation. These changes aim to maintain consistent enforcement during emergency situations without creating retroactive benefits for prior offenders.