California Legislation to Ban Retail Employees From Stopping Shoplifters Passed By State Senate

Joel Eisenberg

The controversial legislation will now progress to the State Assembly.

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California SenatePhoto byAdobe Stock

Author’s Note

This article is based on corporate postings and accredited media reports. Linked information within this article is attributed to the following outlets: Newsweek.com and CalMatters.org.

Introduction

I write extensively about California politics for NewsBreak. In that spirit, now comes word that controversial legislation to ban retail staff from stopping store shoplifters has been passed by the California Senate and is headed to policy committees in the State Assembly.

Let us explore further.

California, 2023

According to a June 5th report from Newsweek.com, some analysts believe the measure is effectively an invitation to commit crime.

As excerpted from the report: Senate Bill 553, which was submitted by Senator Dave Cortese, has been passed by the State Senate and will now progress to policy committees in the State Assembly. Cortese hopes the proposed law will prevent workplace violence and protect staff from being forced by their employers to step-in during robberies. But some store bosses are furious about the plans, with the California Retailers Association mocking the move as an open invitation for thieves "to come in and steal."

As opposed to taking matters into their own hands, retail store employees would be encouraged to report the acts directly to the authorities. Surveillance cameras and targeted alarm systems are considered deterrents, though neither has erased the ongoing and statistically-increasing issue in some of our nation’s largest retailers such as Walmart and Target, and in cities such as San Francisco.

The Newsweek report goes on to state: The political wrangling in California comes just weeks after Home Depot security guard Blake Mohs, 26, was shot to death during an attempted robbery in Pleasanton, California.

Conclusion

This is a developing story. In the event of pertinent updates to this matter, inclusive of legislation progress and official announcements of milestone dates, I will share them here on NewsBreak.

Thank you for reading.

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I am an award-winning author, screenwriter for film and television, and producer. My mission on News Break is to share socially important perspectives on both culture and pop-culture. Member of PEN America, and the WGA.

Northridge, CA
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