Marie Waldron, State Assemblymember — In California, you can steal up to $950 with little to no consequence. This is thanks to Proposition 47. Passed by California voters in 2014, Prop 47 changed many crimes formerly categorized as felonies to misdemeanors.
Unfortunately, the result has been a skyrocketing increase in stolen property. In the wake of Prop 47, some California retailers announced plans to shut down completely or slash their hours in response to “off the charts” shoplifting.
This is why I introduced Assembly Bill 1597 (AB 1597) last week. My bill will impose stricter sentences on shoplifters who repeatedly steal from California businesses. AB 1597 will give prosecutors the discretion to charge thieves with prior convictions with either a misdemeanor or felony, restoring penalties to pre-Prop 47 levels for repeat offenders.
Everyone deserves a second chance, but a fourth conviction for stealing is not a mistake; it’s a lifestyle. We must address this rise in stealing by holding those responsible accountable for their criminal behavior. Lack of accountability makes it more difficult to connect people with the services and programs they need to turn their lives around!
Public safety should be the State Legislature’s top priority. My bill is one step towards creating safer neighborhoods for all.
Sincerely,
Marie Waldron
Assembly Minority Leader, 75th District
Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.
| CAPITOL OFFICE State Capitol, Suite 4130 Sacramento, CA 94249-0075 P 916-319-2075 F 916-319-2175 | DISTRICT OFFICE 350 W 5th Avenue, Suite 110 Escondido, CA 92025 P 760-480-7570 F 760-480-7516 |
