California Lawmakers Take Aim at Retail Theft

A public safety committee passed 11 bills they say balance fairness and accountability.

Assemblyman Juan Alanis, vice chair of the Public Safety Committee, questions witnesses during a hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento on April 9, 2024. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times

As retail theft crimes continue to impact businesses and consumers across California, lawmakers in the state Assembly are working to move forward a package of measures to restore order.

Some bills aim to strengthen penalties while others give police and prosecutors more authority to fight crime.