Identification documents.

Existing law prohibits a check casher from charging a fee of more than $10 to set up an initial account and issue an optional identification card for providing check cashing services. This bill would prohibit a check casher from selling any identification card other than that optional check cashing identification card. The bill would also prohibit a check casher from requiring a customer to purchase a check cashing identification card to access services or from misrepresenting the use of that identification card. The bill would make related changes. Existing law prohibits any person from manufacturing or selling an identification document of a size and form substantially similar to the identification cards or driver's licenses issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Existing law provides that a violation of that provision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000, which shall not be suspended, and the person is required to perform not less than 24 hours of community service during hours when the person is not employed and is not attending school. This bill would change the punishment for that crime to a fine between $250 and $1,000, 24 hours of community service, and, in the court's discretion, imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year. The bill would also provide that the court may place the defendant on probation, with conditions that include, but are not limited to, a fine and community service. The bill would provide that no part of the fine or community service shall be suspended or waived. Because this bill would change the penalty for an existing crime, it 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.