CA AB1065

Creates the crime of "organized retail theft" (until January 1, 2021) defined as acting in concert with others to steal merchandise with intent to sell/exchange/return it, or recruiting/coordinating/financing theft; punishable as misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.

Allows peace officers to retain misdemeanor arrestees in custody if they have unresolved failures to appear on previous citations, were cited/arrested/convicted for theft from a store or vehicle in the previous 6 months, or if probable cause exists they committed organized retail theft.

Establishes jurisdiction for theft and organized retail theft cases in any county where the offense occurred, merchandise was recovered, or any act by the defendant occurred in instigating or aiding the crime; allows multiple related offenses across jurisdictions to be prosecuted together.

Authorizes city or county prosecutors or probation departments to create diversion or deferred entry of judgment programs for repeat theft offenders, with completion of community service and restitution as conditions for deferring prosecution.

Directs the Board of State and Community Corrections to award grants to demonstration projects reducing recidivism among high-risk misdemeanor probationers; requires California Highway Patrol to convene regional property crimes task forces in counties with elevated property crime levels.