We begin tonight with a focus on retail theft.
State lawmakers from both parties are launching a new effort
tonight to help combat organized retail theft and provide more
resources for law enforcement.
17 Capital correspondent Eitan Wallace spoke with the author of
this bill and shares why opponents say it doesn't go
far enough.
Well, the Assembly member behind the bill says,
in addition to protecting the public,
the hope is to also protect jobs.
Doing nothing is not an option.
That says somebody. Member Mike Gibson's message as he and
this group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced legislation they say will
combat the statewide issue of retail theft.
It is a threat to our livelihoods.
Our hard working Californians and the blow to our economy.
In communities, especially of color.
That's why he and others here say they're backing Assembly
Bill 1990,
also known as the STOP Act,
it authorizes an officer to make an arrest for a
misdemeanor shoplifting offense.
Even if that offense was not committed in the officer's
presence,
all the officer would need is probable cause to believe
the suspect has committed shoplifting the goal.
Stop to retail theft Los Angeles Assembly member Wendy Carrillo
authored the legislation.
She points out a major part of the bill will
allow officers to formally arrest and book misdemeanor shoplifting suspects
into jail instead of simply citing them and then releasing
them. That, she says, happens all too often today.
Feeling the security from law enforcement to be able to
actually arrest and book someone.
It's a big difference. It's a sentiment shared by Republican
Assembly member Juan Alanis.
This brings real solutions.
And this helps public safety as well,
especially our retailers who have gone without any help for
many,
many years. Most importantly, it'll make a difference in retaining
jobs in California as we continue to see that so
many stores continue to close because of retail theft.
Still, legislative Republicans believe any reform must also include a
repeal of Prop 47,
passed by California voters in 2014.
The law changed certain nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors,
including theft, when the items stolen are valued at less
than $950,
while supporters have long argued the law will help reduce
California's prison population and lead to criminal justice reform.
Opponents, including Republican Assembly member Tom Lackey,
say it emboldened criminals to take part in certain crimes,
like retail theft with little to no punishment.
47 was heavily contributed to the problem and so.
In order to find a solution,
you have to 1st address the problem and that's Prop
47.
And As for the STOP Act,
it now heads to the Assembly Public Safety Committee reporting
at the State Capitol Eitan Wallace 17 News.