California Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Penalties for Looting and Impersonating Emergency Personnel During Disasters
California Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Penalties for Looting and Impersonating Emergency Personnel During Disasters
On February 10, 2025, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), along with Assemblymembers Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), announced the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 469. This bipartisan legislation aims to provide law enforcement with stronger tools to combat looting and impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other emergencies. AB 469 responds to recent criminal activity in evacuation zones during the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires.
The legislation seeks to enhance penalties for crimes such as looting and impersonating emergency responders, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and utility workers. It also aims to close existing legal loopholes and extend protections to damaged structures and vehicles, ensuring that these safeguards remain in place throughout the recovery process.
What AB 469 Will Do:
Allow prosecutors to seek stronger penalties for looting and impersonating emergency personnel.
Close loopholes to protect damaged structures and vehicles in evacuation zones.
Ensure protections for residents continue during the recovery and rebuilding stages.
Ensure that individuals suspected of looting or impersonating emergency personnel are arrested, rather than cited and released.
The legislation is a response to alarming incidents in Southern California, including arrests of individuals who impersonated firefighters in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone and the looting of fire-damaged properties. These actions posed significant threats to public safety, undermining evacuation efforts and creating confusion that could have deterred residents from following evacuation orders.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman expressed his strong support for the bill, emphasizing that his office has "zero tolerance" for crimes like looting and impersonating first responders during disasters. He also warned criminals that such behavior would lead to serious consequences.
The bill is supported by a wide range of public safety organizations, including the California Professional Firefighters, the California District Attorneys Association, and the California Police Chiefs Association.
In addition to the legislative push, local leaders like Assemblymember Irwin and Pacheco highlighted the fears and confusion felt by residents during evacuations, adding that this bill will ensure better security and safety during future disasters. The bill is co-authored by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, signaling a strong bipartisan commitment to protect Californians in times of crisis.
AB 469 is expected to provide prosecutors with the necessary tools to hold offenders accountable, helping communities recover from the devastating impact of wildfires and other natural disasters while preventing future exploitation of vulnerable residents.
