Since its formation in April 2024, the Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft heard hours of testimony from large retailers, small businesses, criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement and representatives of workers and the public to identify tangible solutions to the ongoing retail theft crisis in communities across California.
The committee vetted and shaped a comprehensive legislative package that enhances public safety, gives law enforcement new tools to combat retail theft and empowers retail business.
My bill AB 2943: The California Retail Theft Reduction Act, co-authored with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, was signed into law by the Governor.
The California Retail Theft Reduction Act:
- Imposes tougher penalties on organized shoplifting rings, protecting businesses and consumers from repeat offenders.
- Grants law enforcement more authority to combat retail crime and theft by allowing them to arrest theft suspects based on video evidence.
- Introduces a new felony crime with a potential sentence of up to three years for stealing for financial gain.
- Expands the ability to combine the value of different thefts to charge as a felony.
- Emphasizes diversion to drug court and rehabilitation programs for individuals who steal due to underlying conditions, such as addiction.
- Empowers retail businesses to report crimes without fear of facing nuisance lawsuits, offering protections, peace and security.
Committee Members:
The Select Committee is comprised of bipartisan members from across the state, including from areas most impacted by retail theft.
Rick Chavez Zbur
(D-Hollywood)
Committee Chair
Juan Alanis
(R-Merced & Stanislaus)
David Alvarez
(D-San Diego)
Mia Bonta
(D-Alameda & San Francisco)
Vince Fong
(R-Kern & Tulare)
Matt Haney
(D-San Francisco)
Kevin McCarty
(D-Sacramento)
Liz Ortega
(D-Alameda)
Blanca Pacheco
(D-Los Angeles & Orange)
Cottie Petrie-Norris
(D-Orange)
Pilar Schiavo
(D-Los Angeles)