Political signs: theft and damage.

Existing law generally establishes various offenses constituting theft. This bill would make it a crime, except as specified, for a person to take, possess, damage, reuse, or move any political sign or signs without authorization from the owner of the sign or signs and with the intent to prevent, substantially alter, or substantially obscure the communication of the sign. The bill would make a violation of this provision punishable as an infraction or a misdemeanor, as specified, and would make a 2nd or subsequent violation a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding $2,000, or both. By creating a new crime, the 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.