BILL ANALYSIS AB 1675 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 14, 2010 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 1675 (Hagman) - As Amended: March 10, 2010 Policy Committee: Public SafetyVote: 5-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, for any person, other than a zoo employee or a peace officer acting in the scope of employment, to enter into an animal enclosure at a zoo, as defined, including an aquarium. FISCAL EFFECT Unknown, likely negligible nonreimbursable local incarceration costs, offset to a degree by increased fine revenue. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The author and sponsor, the San Francisco Zoo, contend it can be problematic to charge misdemeanor trespassing absent proof that the offender was "occupying" the property in question. This bill clarifies this situation by creating what is essentially a new trespassing section specific to entering animal enclosures. 2)Current law makes it a misdemeanor to enter and occupy property or structures without consent, a $75 infraction for first-time trespass on posted lands, a $250 infraction for a second offense, and a misdemeanor for a third or subsequent offense. 3)Suggested Amendment . The author may wish to make this new crime an alternate infraction/misdemeanor, thereby affording the court more discretion depending on circumstances. AB 1675 Page 2 Analysis Prepared by : Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081