Asm. Tom Lackey

(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.

This act would declare June 10, 2016, as Portugal Day to celebrate Portuguese national heritage.

This measure would recognize May 24, 2016, as Slavic Heritage Day.

This measure would proclaim that Monday, January 18, 2016, be observed as the official memorial of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth and his work in the Civil Rights Movement.

This measure would recognize May 2016 as Celiac Disease Awareness Month.

This measure would recognize the Lunar New Year Celebration on February 8, 2016.

This measure would commend the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on the celebration of its 150th anniversary and for the myriad contributions it has made to the health and well-being of animals nationwide and would extend best wishes for continued success in the future.

This measure would proclaim April 27, 2016, as Don't Text and Drive Day, and would call upon individuals, government agencies, and schools, among others, to promote awareness of the problem of texting and driving and to support programs and policies that reduce the incidence of texting while driving in California and nationwide.

This measure would recognize May 2016 as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.