Organized retail theft.

Existing law, until January 1, 2026, makes it a misdemeanor to commit organized retail theft. Existing law defines organized retail theft to include, among other acts, acting as an agent of another individual or group of individuals to steal merchandise from one or more merchant's premises or online marketplaces as part of an organized plan to commit theft. Under existing law, acts of organized retail theft that are committed on 2 or more separate occasions within a 12-month period and that have an aggregate value that exceeds $950 are punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony. This bill would remove the requirement that the person acting in concert with one or more person to steal merchandise from one or more merchant's premises or online marketplace have the intent to sell, exchange, or return the merchandise for value. The bill would also remove the January 1, 2026, repeal date for this crime. By expanding the scope of a crime and extending the time during which this crime may be committed, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.