AB 2543

Bill Subjects

Abstract

(1) The existing Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, enacted as an initiative statute by Proposition 47, as approved by the electors at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, makes the theft of property that does not exceed $950 in value petty theft, and makes that crime punishable as a misdemeanor, with certain exceptions. The initiative statute defines shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment with the intent to commit larceny while that establishment is open during regular hours, where the value of the property that is taken or intended to be taken does not exceed $950. The initiative statute requires that shoplifting be punished as a misdemeanor. Proposition 47 authorizes amendment of its provisions by a 23 vote of the Members of each house of the Legislature so long as the amendments are consistent with and further the intent of the act. This bill would amend Proposition 47 by authorizing acts of shoplifting that occur on 2 or more separate occasions within a 12-month period, and the aggregated value of the merchandise taken exceeds $950, to be punished either by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by 16 months or 2 or 3 years in a county jail. By increasing the penalty for a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) Existing law defines the crime of burglary to include entering a railroad car or cargo container with the intent to commit grand larceny or petit larceny or any felony within. Exiting law divides burglary into first and 2nd degrees, with first degree burglary defined as burglary of an inhabited dwelling house, a vessel that is inhabited and designed for habitation, a floating home, a trailer coach, or the inhabited portion or any other building. Existing law defines 2nd degree burglary as all other types of burglary. First degree burglary is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 2, 4, or 6 years and 2nd degree burglary being punishable in a county jail for not more than one year or by 16 months or 2 or 3 years in a county jail. This bill would make burglary with regard to a railroad car or a cargo container punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 4, or 6 years. By increasing the penalty for a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.