California’s Bipartisan Bill Allowing Warrantless Shoplifting Arrests Faces Criticism From Some Democrats

As California businesses continue to be impacted by retail theft, a newly introduced bill with bipartisan support authored by a Democratic legislator is on the receiving end of broad criticism from some colleagues. At issue is Assembly Bill 1990, introduced by Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, which would allow law enforcement to arrest for shoplifting—a crime that is currently punished with a citation. No dollar amounts are mentioned in the text as a minimum to qualify for arrest. One colleague took exception to the bill because it authorizes law enforcement to make warrantless arrests for shoplifting committed outside the officer’s presence. “Please say no to AB 1990,” Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor posted March 24 on X. “[It is] bad for black and brown folks.”...