RETAIL THEFT / PROPOSITION 36

According to the National Retail Federation, organized retail crime (ORC) accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic loss per year. ORC is characterized by organized criminal rings that steal property with the intent to sell and distribute, or return stolen merchandise for value. ORC takes many forms, from coordinated thefts of specific goods to brazen attacks on local retailers.

Since California passed Proposition 47 in 2014, retail and cargo theft has exploded due to the reduction in penalties. 

LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE

On August 16, 2024, the Governor signed a package of bills aimed at addressing retail theft. CBPA supports this legislative package because it will help protect businesses, enhance public safety, and promote a thriving commercial sector. While it's a step in the right direction, it's not a complete solution as it doesn't fix the problem created with Proposition 47. 

GOVERNOR'S ACTIONS

BUDGET: The Governor released his '24-'25 budget which includes combatting Organized Retail Crime and Other Crimes—$373.5 million General Fund over four years to bolster local law enforcement efforts to address retail theft and other crimes. This includes ongoing resources to expand and make permanent California Highway Patrol's retail theft task forces as well as the Department of Justice's Special Operations Unit and other task force and prosecution teams. 

STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURE - PROPOSITION 36

A coalition of groups representing law enforcement and business groups have qualified a statewide ballot measure, Proposition 36 - the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. CBPA has endorsed this initiative and is actively working to support its passage. The measure would:

• Reclassify retail theft with two or more prior convictions as a felony
• After two hard drug convictions, discretion to charge third hard drug possession as treatment mandated felony
• Address fentanyl crisis by going after fentanyl drug dealers