Inside LADA
February 10, 2025: DA Hochman, Lawmakers, Other Elected Officials to Announce Legislation to Address Wildfire-Related Crimes
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino), Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D - Thousand Oaks), and Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D - Downey) announced the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 469, bipartisan legislation that provides law enforcement with better tools to crack down on looting and impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other emergencies. AB 469 responds to recent criminal activity in mandatory evacuation areas and communities devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Among other important changes, AB 469 would allow prosecutors to seek stronger penalties for looting and impersonation, close existing loopholes that can hinder prosecution, and better protect communities during the recovery and rebuilding process.
The new legislation was developed in close consultation with firefighters and law enforcement professionals and is supported by the California Professional Firefighters, the California District Attorneys Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, Ventura County District Attorney Eric Nasarenko, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
