Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires California Highway Patrol to coordinate with the Department of Justice to set up local crime task forces to combat retail theft in areas that are subject to high volumes of property crime within the state

Highlights:

• Specifies that the crime of organized retail theft can be punished by up to a year in county jail or if the offenses occur twice and the items stolen reach a value of $950 or more (Sec. 1).

• Defines organized retail theft as acting with one or more individuals to steal merchandise with the intention to resell it at a value different than it was originally sold at (Sec. 1).

• Requires California Highway Patrol to identify areas in the state that have seen rises in property crime levels and assist local law enforcement officers with supplies and personnel (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that court proceedings can use any crime that occurred outside the county of the organized retail theft charge can be used as evidence to show an individual's disposition to commit the crime (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that other types of evidence that can be considered in court proceedings are items stolen that were not paid for or other items used to commit theft that is not normally purchased as a personal item (Sec. 1).

• Requires individuals found guilty of organized retail theft to stay away from retail establishments for a period of time as part of a probationary period (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text