California lawmakers have advanced more than a dozen bills aiming to address the retail theft crisis. The proposals would go after online reselling schemes, repeat shoplifters and auto theft. Other measures advanced Wednesday also would expand drug court programs and treatment and bolster existing law to make it easier to arrest and prosecute criminals. Democratic state leaders have reiterated their commitments to address the crisis without rolling back progressive policies like Proposition 47. The initiative approved by voters in 2014 reduced penalties for certain retail theft and drug offense charges. But law enforcement and Republican and moderate Democratic lawmakers say California needs to consider all options.
