California Retail Theft Reduction Act Would Target Those Stealing With Intent to Sell, Lawmakers Say

One co-author also pushed back on the idea that Prop. 47 is responsible for the recent spike in retail theft incidents.

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

California lawmakers are looking to find solutions for retail theft crimes that are affecting the state and causing some businesses to flee, with a new bill introduced on Feb. 15 targeting organized criminal activity.

Assembly Bill 2943—co-authored by two assemblymen, Rick Chavez Zbur and Speaker Robert Rivas—would strengthen penalties for repeat offenders and for those profiting from such crimes.