A Thoughtful Move Toward the Center in California's Prop 36

On this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, we sat down with Greg Totten, President of the California District Attorney’s Association, to talk about the recent passage of Prop 36.

The big picture:

California's Proposition 36 marks a significant shift in addressing retail theft by strengthening penalties and closing loopholes that had enabled widespread shoplifting under Proposition 47.

Why it matters:

The measure aims to reverse the surge in organized retail crime that has plagued California businesses since Prop 47's passage, while balancing enforcement with treatment options for drug addiction and homelessness.

Key changes:

• Eliminates the "cite and release" approach for repeat offenders

• Enables aggregation of multiple thefts to reach felony thresholds

• Strengthens partnerships between retailers and law enforcement

What's next:

Implementation is underway with extensive prosecutor training and renewed collaboration with retailers.