The provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions are the subject of this analysis.  The bill would amend the Penal Code to expand the circumstances which constitute the offense of breach of computer security.

 
The offense of breach of computer security is punishable at all felony degrees with the punishment degree based on the specifics of the offense. A first-degree felony is punishable by confinement in prison for life or five to 99 years, a second-degree felony for two to 20 years, a third-degree felony for two to ten years, and a state jail felony is punishable by confinement in a state jail for 180 days to two years. In addition to confinement all felony level offenses are subject to an optional fine not to exceed $10,000.

 
In fiscal year 2014, a total of 16 persons were arrested, less than 10 placed under felony supervision, and less than 10 were admitted to correctional institutions for a breach of computer security. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions for criminal offenses would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies.