CAL RETAILERS CEO AND CALIFORNIANS FOR SAFE STORES AND NEIGHBORHOODS STATEWIDE CHAIR RESPONDS TO AB2390 BEING PULLED BY AUTHOR FROM ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

AB2390 Would Have Strengthened Prop 47 As Part Of A Comprehensive Solution To Retail Theft That Protects Customers, Retail Employees, And Neighborhoods

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After Assembly Bill 2390 was pulled by the author from consideration in the Assembly Public Safety committee, California Retailers Association (who is a co-sponsor of the bill) President and CEO, and chair of the Californians for Safe Stores and Neighborhoods coalition, Rachel Michelin issued the following statement in response:

“Members of the Assembly Public Safety committee made it clear — they wanted to address retail theft in a balanced manner that safeguards existing criminal justice reforms while demonstrating they are attentive to the safety of customers, retail employees, and neighborhoods. 

While AB 2390 would have done just that by opening the door for additional offenders to be eligible for diversion programs in furtherance of Proposition 47, the Assembly Public Safety committee proposed amendments that completely undermined the spirit of the bill and failed to address the root causes of retail theft. 

It is time the Committee let the Legislature do its job and consider balanced proposals relating to retail theft. Californians are looking for answers, not watered-down amendments.”