Theft: receiving stolen property: firearms.

Under existing law, theft of any property of a value exceeding $950 is grand theft and is punishable as either a misdemeanor of a felony. Under existing law, theft of any firearm, regardless of value, is grand theft and is punishable as a felony. Under existing law, knowingly buying or receiving stolen property, as specified, is punishable as either a misdemeanor or a felony if the value of the property exceeds $950. Existing law, the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, enacted by Proposition 47, as approved by the voters at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, requires the receipt of stolen property that does not exceed $950 to be punished as a misdemeanor, except in cases when the defendant has previously been convicted of one or more specified serious or violent felonies or an offense requiring registration as a sex offender. This bill would, upon approval by the voters, make knowingly buying or receiving a stolen firearm, as specified, regardless of the value of the firearm, punishable as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The California Constitution authorizes the Legislature to amend or repeal an initiative statute by another statute that becomes effective when approved by the electors. This bill would provide that it would become effective only upon approval of the voters, and would provide for the submission of this measure to the voters for approval at the next statewide general election.