Theft: shoplifting.

(1) The existing Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, enacted as an initiative statute by Proposition 47, as approved by the electors at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, makes the theft of property that does not exceed $950 in value petty theft, and makes that crime punishable as a misdemeanor, with certain exceptions. The initiative statute defines shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment with the intent to commit larceny while that establishment is open during regular hours, where the value of the property that is taken or intended to be taken does not exceed $950. The initiative statute requires that shoplifting be punished as a misdemeanor. The California Constitution authorizes the Legislature to amend or repeal an initiative statute by another statute that becomes effective when approved by the electors. This bill would amend that initiative statute by making it grand theft, which is punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony, to commit shoplifting if the aggregate value of the property taken from a single commercial establishment is nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) or more in any 180-day period. (2) Existing law makes it a crime, punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony, for 2 or more persons to conspire to commit any crime. This bill would specify that the crime of conspiracy occurs when 2 or more persons conspire to commit shoplifting. (3) This bill would call a special election to be consolidated with the November 8, 2016, statewide general election. This bill would require the Secretary of State to submit the provisions of the bill that amend the initiative statute to the electors for their approval at the November 8, 2016, consolidated election. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an act calling an election.