- Noah Marty
- Legislative/Communications Assistant
- Noah.Marty@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new laws that will provide law enforcement with better tools to crack down on looting and impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other emergencies.
- Assembly Bill (AB) 468, authored by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), and Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), strengthens penalties for looting during emergencies, closes loopholes that hinder prosecution, and provides additional protections to communities as they rebuild following wildfires and other disasters.
- Senate Bill (SB) 571, authored by Senators Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), and Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), reinforces California’s commitment to standing with wildfire survivors not only during the emergency, but throughout the long journey to recovery. This law will strengthen penalties for individuals who impersonate first responders or other officials.
Background
Following the devastating Southern California fires earlier this year, impacted communities were further victimized by widespread looting and theft. In Altadena, theft from homes skyrocketed nearly 450 percent compared to the prior year. This uptick in crime included multiple robberies on the same property, theft of historic and cultural artwork, and even the theft of an Emmy award. Directly following the Southern California fires, law enforcement arrested dozens of individuals for looting and impersonation-related charges, including two individuals from Oregon charged with impersonating firefighters in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone.
Looting during a state of emergency poses significant risks to public safety and can undermine evacuation efforts, lead to confusion, and deter residents from following critical public safety guidance. Crimes like looting and impersonation of public safety personnel – particularly when committed during a state of emergency – endanger both the public and the first responders dedicated to protecting them. Together, these two new laws will provide stronger deterrence and better protect impacted communities as they recover and rebuild.
What California Legislators are Saying
Assemblymember Gabriel Says
“Individuals who put our firefighters at risk and prey on communities when they are at their most vulnerable must be held accountable. Looters – particularly those who impersonate emergency personnel – create chaos and confusion, endanger residents and first responders, undermine public trust in evacuation orders, divert critical emergency resources, and victimize communities that already have suffered unimaginable harm. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing these important new laws and appreciate the steadfast partnership from firefighters, police, and first responders across California who have bravely risked their lives to protect our communities.”
Senator Archuleta Says
“SB 571, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), and Senator Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), upholds California’s promise to keep everyone safe. Victims of wild fires and other natural disasters should not be preyed on by those looking to take advantage of them. Impersonators only seek to harm and exploit victims who have already lost their homes, cherished belongings, and peace of mind. SB 571 ensures that families are protected; it reinforces California’s commitment to standing with wildfire survivors not only during the emergency, but also throughout the long journey to recovery. “
Senator Arreguín Says
“The Governor’s signing of SB 571 reflects our commitment to protecting our brave first responders involved in states of emergency and ensuring that victims of disasters don’t become victims of crimes,” said Senator Jesse Arreguín, Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. “I am thankful to the Governor for signing this bill that received unanimous support from the State Legislature, which will increase trust and safety in our communities.”
Senator Valladares Says
“Protecting our most vulnerable isn’t just our duty—it’s a moral mandate,” said Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R–Santa Clarita). “I’m proud this vital legislation is now law. Let there be no doubt: predators who exploit the desperate and defenseless will face serious consequences. Preying on victims will not be tolerated and justice will be swift, certain, and uncompromising.”
Assemblymember Pacheco Says
“Looting and impersonating emergency personnel puts lives at risk and undermines the trust we need in times of crisis,” said Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey). “This new law strengthens penalties and sends a clear message: California will protect vulnerable families and stand firmly with the first responders who safeguard our communities.”
Assemblymember Irwin Says
“With the signing of AB 468 and SB 571, a clear message has been sent to criminals that stealing from victims of natural disasters has heftier consequences. What we sadly witnessed during the Palisades and Eaton fires, will now result in increased jail time and penalties. But hopefully as these communities rebuild, AB 468 and SB 571 can deter the theft of construction equipment and materials. Thank you to my joint-authors for your work in advancing the bill, and to Governor Newsom for signing it into law.”
Brian K. Rice, President of The California Professional Firefighters Says:
“I would like to applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 468 and SB 571. The devastation caused by the L.A. County Fires is unimaginable. Some residents who returned to a home still standing were greeted with the realization that looting or theft occurred while they were evacuated. Media reports showed that some individuals were impersonating firefighters or other emergency responders for the purposes of these crimes. That cannot be tolerated, and we deeply appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Gabriel and Senator Archuleta, along with their co-authors, to establish firm penalties for these crimes through AB 468 and SB 571.”
What Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman Says:
“This bill is a victory for public safety and will ensure prosecutors have the tools to deter and punish criminals who target and loot California communities during emergencies. When thousands of Los Angeles County residents fled their homes under wildfire evacuation orders in January, craven criminals crept in and burglarized homes, cars and businesses. My office worked side by side with law enforcement and vigorously prosecuted the criminals who preyed on vulnerable fire victims during one of the most devastating fires in California history. I thank California State Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel, Jacqui Irwin, Blanca Pacheco and John Harabedian for their partnership and leadership in enacting proactive public safety legislation to protect Californians from looters during natural disasters.”