California Bill Allowing Warrantless Shoplifting Arrests Gaining Bipartisan Support Despite Criticism Against ‘Mass Incarceration’

Lawmakers behind the bill disputed claims that it would be detrimental to people of color.

Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, listens during the opening session of the California Assembly in Sacramento, Calif., on Jan. 4, 2023. José Luis Villegas/AP Photo

As California businesses continue to be impacted by retail theft, a newly introduced bill with bipartisan support authored by a Democratic legislator is on the receiving end of broad criticism from some colleagues.

At issue is Assembly Bill 1990, introduced by Democrat Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, which would allow law enforcement to make arrests for shoplifting—a crime that is currently punished with a citation. No dollar amounts are mentioned in the text as a minimum to qualify for arrest.