The State of California

Combatting Organized Retail Crime: California Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Strengthen Shoplifting Penalties and Public Safety California lawmakers have introduced a bill, AB 1990, aimed at combating the rise of organized retail crime by strengthening existing laws and increasing penalties for those involved. The bill, also known as the STOP Act, prioritizes public safety and the state economy by allowing peace officers to make warrantless arrests for misdemeanor shoplifting offenses and expanding criminal penalties for those profiteering from retail theft. The proposed legislation comes after Attorney General Rob Bonta announced 27 felony charges related to a major retail theft ring. Summary A bill introduced in the California Assembly, AB 1990 or the STOP Act aims to combat organized retail crime by allowing peace officers to make warrantless arrests for misdemeanor shoplifting offenses based on probable cause. Key points include: 1. The bill i...

AB 2560: Density Bonus Law: California Coastal Act of 1976.   Overall Summary AB 2560, introduced by Assemblymember David Alvarez, proposes changes to California's Density Bonus Law as it relates to the California Coastal Act. The bill would allow density bonuses, incentives, and reduced development standards granted under the Density Bonus Law to apply in the coastal zone, notwithstanding the Coastal Act, as long as the development is not located on certain specified sensitive sites. Key points: 1. The Density Bonus Law grants developers increased density and other incentives in exchange for including affordable housing units in their projects. 2. Currently, the Density Bonus Law does not supersede the Coastal Act, limiting its application in coastal areas. 3. AB 2560 would change this, allowing density bonuses to apply in the coastal zone with some exceptions for sensitive sites. 4. Proponents argue this will encourage more affordable housing in expensive coastal areas, ...

Gov. Gavin Newsom, speaking in Jan. during a news conference about the state’s Homekey program, has proposed deep cuts and funding delays to close California’s budget deficit. Some of which are to homelessness and housing, K-12 education, transportation and social services. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Summary Here is a summary of the key points about California's revised budget proposal from the various sources provided: Governor Newsom released his revised budget proposal in May to address a projected $45 billion deficit over two years. This includes the $27.6 billion deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year plus $17.3 billion in early budget cuts agreed to in April. To close the gap, the governor proposes around $32-33 billion in spending cuts, deferrals, delays, fund shifts, and revenue-related solutions. This includes: - $19 billion in one-time cuts and  - $14 billion in ongoing reductions across 260 programs - Major cuts to  housing,  homel...