BILL NUMBER: AB 44	CHAPTERED  09/29/06

	CHAPTER  695
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  SEPTEMBER 29, 2006
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  SEPTEMBER 29, 2006
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 14, 2006
	PASSED THE SENATE  AUGUST 10, 2006
	AMENDED IN SENATE  JUNE 20, 2006
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JANUARY 13, 2006
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JANUARY 4, 2006
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 9, 2005

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Cohn

                        DECEMBER 6, 2004

   An act to amend Section 591.5 of the Penal Code, relating to
crime.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 44, Cohn  Crime.
   Existing law provides that any person who unlawfully and
maliciously damages any wireless communication device with the intent
to prevent the use of the device to summon assistance or to notify
law enforcement of a crime is punishable by a fine not exceeding
$500, by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not exceeding one
year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
   This bill would provide that these provisions are also violated
when one obstructs the use of that equipment, and that this crime is
punishable as a misdemeanor.
   By expanding the definition of a crime, this bill would impose a
state-mandated local program.
  The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the
state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement.
   This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this
act for a specified reason.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 591.5 of the Penal Code is amended to read:
   591.5.  A person who unlawfully and maliciously removes, injures,
destroys, damages, or obstructs the use of any wireless communication
device with the intent to prevent the use of the device to summon
assistance or notify law enforcement or any public safety agency of a
crime is guilty of a misdemeanor.
  SEC. 2.  No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because
the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school
district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or
infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty
for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the
Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the
meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California
Constitution.