The bill would amend the Penal Code by making the offense of theft punishable as a state jail felony, regardless of the value of the property, if the property stolen is identifying information as defined by the Penal Code.  Punishment for the offense of theft currently ranges from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony of the first degree depending on the amount, and type, of property stolen. 

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed one year, a fine not to exceed $4,000, or both fine and imprisonment.

A state jail felony is punishable by confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days, or, in addition to confinement, a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Increasing the penalty for any criminal offense is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to longer terms of probation, or, longer terms of confinement in county jails or prison.  In the case of this bill, the increased workload and demand for resources would probably not be substantial.