CA AB331

Reenacts the crime of organized retail theft until January 1, 2026, making it punishable as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances including whether violations occur on two or more separate occasions within 12 months with aggregated merchandise value exceeding $950.

Defines organized retail theft to include acting in concert with others to steal merchandise with intent to sell or return it, receiving stolen merchandise as part of a group, acting as an agent to steal merchandise as part of an organized plan, or recruiting and financing others to commit theft.

Establishes that courts may consider prior theft conduct, use of specialized devices to remove merchandise, and property quantities inconsistent with personal use as evidence of organized retail theft.

Requires the California Highway Patrol to coordinate with the Department of Justice to establish a regional property crimes task force providing resources and support to local law enforcement in counties with elevated property crime levels until January 1, 2026.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute with no state reimbursement requirement for local agencies under Article XIII B of the California Constitution.