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AB-469 • 2026

Crimes: impersonation of first responders.

Crimes: impersonation of first responders.

Crime Labor
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Gabriel (A) , Irwin (A) , Pacheco
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Died at Desk.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill only expresses legislative intent and does not contain specific provisions or penalties for impersonating first responders.

Rules for Impersonating First Responders

This law expresses the intention to create rules about pretending to be a first responder during an emergency.

What This Bill Does

  • Expresses the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation regarding impersonation of first responders during a state of emergency.

Terms To Know

first responder
An employee of the state or local government who provides emergency response services, such as firefighters and police officers.
state of emergency
A situation declared by the Governor when there is a serious threat to public safety that requires special actions from the government.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill only expresses intent and does not provide specific details on penalties or enforcement.
  • It's unclear if and when this bill will become law since it died at the Governor’s desk.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Died at Desk.

  2. 2025-02-07 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 9.

  3. 2025-02-06 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 469, as introduced, Gabriel.
Crimes: impersonation of first responders.
Existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, authorizes the Governor to proclaim a state of emergency, as defined, under specified circumstances. Existing law defines a “first responder” as an employee of the state or a local public agency who provides emergency response services. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to impersonate certain first responders, including a member of a fire department.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the impersonation of first responders during a state of emergency.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF