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In a bold move to address the increasing crime rates in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has approved 10 new bills to combat retail theft, car theft, and the sale of stolen goods. This legislative initiative, described by Newsom as the most significant in the state's recent history, introduces harsher penalties for repeat offenders and equips law enforcement with improved tools for prosecuting serious offenses.
Newsom's decision comes as concerns mount over property crimes. The new laws take away from previous strategies and look to enhance community safety by facilitating the prosecution of theft-related crimes and cracking down on repeat offenders.
The bills, endorsed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Leader Mike McGuire, include steps to simplify the prosecution of car break-ins, standardize theft thresholds across various jurisdictions, and empower stores to issue temporary restraining orders against habitual shoplifters. Furthermore, online platforms will now be mandated to collect detailed seller information to prevent the resale of stolen items.
This legislation responds to ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform, including the contentious Proposition 47 of 2014, which reduced penalties for specific nonviolent offenses and redirected funds toward victim services and reentry programs. In the upcoming November election, voters will weigh in on Proposition 36, a new measure advocating for stricter penalties and mandatory drug rehabilitation. While Newsom and some Democrats oppose Proposition 36 for being too severe, other public figures like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan are in support.