As the legislature works to address rising retail theft across the state, a new measure would address the ongoing problem while also providing solutions to prevent repeat offenses.
AB 2390 would close loopholes in Proposition 47 that have allowed criminals to avoid serious repercussions as long as what they steal is under $950, Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailers Association (CRA), told the Northern California Record.
“The reason we're pushing forward with this legislation is that, particularly when you look at passing major policy via initiative, there's always unintended consequences,” Michelin said. “And one of the unintended consequences that we're seeing is people constantly going into retail stores, both small and large, stealing under the $950 threshold – but in California, you cannot aggregate that – meaning someone could spend all day stealing less than $900 from a different store every hour and it can’t be aggregated – it would be all separate misdemeanors.”
Without impactful consequences, thieves have been emboldened, many of them operating as part of organized crime rings or to support addictions.
Beginning this week, a billboard sponsored by Mothers Against Drug Deaths seeks to warn the public about San Francisco’s open-air drug markets.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, introduced AB 2390 in partnership with CRA and the California Hotel and Lodging Association.
“What we're trying to do is simplify it – so that number one, we aggregate – but more importantly we're tying that to diversion programs and job training,” Michelin told the Record. “So what we're saying is this isn't necessarily about putting people in jail, but making sure people understand there's going to be some consequences for the serial theft that we're seeing across our state.”
AB 2390 is aimed at repeat offenders – people stealing because they know they can get away with it, Michelin said, and the diversion programs would address not only the theft but underlying problems like drug addiction, mental health, and homelessness.
“They can get into a program to help them make more positive life choices,” Michelin said. “And then, what we're doing from a retail industry perspective is we’re going to be bringing in job training, and we encourage labor unions and other industries to also offer training programs, so that we can provide these folks with an opportunity to stay on a more positive life trajectory.”
Proposition 47 was titled the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act and passed in 2014.
“This flaw in the proposition is what we’re seeing now, where I would argue, there are a lot of folks throughout California who don't feel safe in their neighborhoods,” Michelin said.
AB 2390 is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 5.
“I think what’s important to know is that retailers have heard from consumers, customers, and from our employees that crime and retail theft is a major concern, and we’re trying to come up with a thoughtful solution that provides guard rails and accountability, while also providing opportunities for an off-ramp, so people can make better choices,” Michelin said. “And candidly we need the members of the Public Safety Committee to pass this bill so that we can continue conversations and dialogue on finding solutions to this growing issue.”