California AB271 establishes penalties for looting during emergencies.

California AB271 amends the Penal Code to define looting as a crime during states of emergency or local emergencies, or under evacuation orders, resulting from disasters. Looting is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for one year or in the state prison, depending on the severity of the theft. The bill also allows courts to require community service for those granted probation. The definition of looting excludes consensual entry into commercial structures and certain thefts of firearms.

California AB271 establishes penalties for looting during emergencies.

California AB271 amends the Penal Code to define looting as a crime during states of emergency or local emergencies, or under evacuation orders, resulting from disasters. Looting is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for one year or in the state prison, depending on the severity of the theft. The bill also allows courts to require community service for those granted probation. The definition of looting excludes consensual entry into commercial structures and certain thefts of firearms.