For Immediate Release

August 16, 2024

SACRAMENTO—The statewide business community commends Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature for the passage and signing of a series of bills designed to address the ongoing retail theft crisis affecting businesses across the state. Today’s action is an important step forward, and complements the efforts to ensure voters also weigh in on this issue on the November ballot:

“The governor and Legislature have taken significant steps to address retail theft, and today’s action is no exception. These bills are an important part of a comprehensive solution that includes key reforms to Proposition 47 on the ballot this November. Voters overwhelming support Prop. 36 and, taken together with the governor’s actions today, these reforms will ensure that businesses and public safety officials have all of the tools necessary to address the retail theft crisis and the ongoing fentanyl crisis that has claimed far too many lives.”

This statement is co-authored by:

• Rob Lapsley, President, California Business Roundtable
• Matthew Hargrove, President and CEO, California Business Properties Association
• Lynn Mohrfeld, President and CEO, California Hotel and Lodging Association
• Julian Canete, President and CEO, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Mike Roos, President and CEO, Southern California Leadership Council 
• Jim Wunderman, President and CEO, Bay Area Council
• Paul Granillo, President and CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership
• Jeff Ball, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council