AB 1960 To Increase Penalties for Retail Theft Approved by Assembly Public Safety Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA— Today, Assemblywoman Soria’s AB 1960, a bill to increase penalties for retail theft passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with unanimous support.

“Crime, especially retail theft, is not only a problem in my community but across the entire state. AB 1960 restores an important tool for law enforcement to combat retail theft and keep our communities safe” said Assemblywoman Soria. “We must address the rise in retail crime by holding offenders accountable and ensuring the punishment matches the crime. Our small businesses, retail workers and consumers deserve to feel safe when working or shopping in their own communities. AB 1960 will do just that and our neighbors will be safer as a result.”

“On behalf of the Merced County District Attorney’s office we would like to thank Assemblywoman Soria for her great leadership on this important issue,” said Merced County Deputy District Attorney Tom Pfeiff. “Penalty enhancements contained in Penal Code section 12022.6 were enacted over 40 years ago, and continually renewed by the Legislature until it sunset on January 1, 2018.  This enhancement is critical to combatting retail theft and “smash and grabs” that have been increasing at an alarming rate.”

AB 1960 now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

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