Have reforms like Prop 47 led to an increase in theft? We'll look at the facts during our live KNX News Town Hall, Smash and Grab, Stealing the Season, on Dec. 12.
LOS ANGELES (KNX) - In an effort to combat retail theft, a proposed state bill would allow for repeat shoplifters to be charged with felonies.
Under Proposition 47, which was passed by voters in 2014, every incident of shoplifting or petty theft below $950 is treated as a misdemeanor. But the new bill, spearheaded by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi of Torrance, would allow prosecutors to file felony charges against offenders with two or more previous theft-related convictions.
The proposed legislation would also offer diversion programs, like drug addiction treatment and mental health programs, to address the underlying issues driving the repeat thefts.
“If they complete those programs, then the criminal charges can be dismissed,” Muratsuchi said. “We’re trying to take a balanced approach to provide a common-sense fix to Proposition 47.”
The bill is co-sponsored by the League of California Cities, California Retailers Association, California Police Chiefs Association, and California District Attorneys Association.
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