New California Bill Targets Retail Theft, ‘Unintended Consequences’ of Prop. 47

With retail theft impacting communities statewide, a new bill aims to tackle concerns related to a measure passed by voters in 2014 that reclassified some felony crimes as misdemeanors.

A looter robs a Target store in Oakland, Calif., on May 30, 2020. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

With retail theft crimes impacting communities across California, Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) is introducing legislation that will address concerns related to a measure passed by voters in 2014 to reform criminal justice laws.

At issue is Proposition 47, designed to reduce prison populations by recategorizing some felony drug and theft crimes as misdemeanors.