AB 2943 Summary

• Creates new crime of "unlawful deprivation of a retail business opportunity" for possessing property over $950 acquired through shoplifting, theft, or burglary from retail businesses with intent to sell, exchange, or return merchandise for value, punishable as misdemeanor or felony.

• Authorizes peace officers to make warrantless arrests for misdemeanor shoplifting offenses not committed in the officer's presence if probable cause exists, based on witness statements, video footage, possession of security-tagged items, or confession.

• Clarifies that grand theft can be charged when property exceeding $950 is stolen across distinct but related acts involving multiple victims or different counties, with evidence of related acts including acts within a 90-day period or substantially similar nature.

• Extends authorization for diversion and deferred entry of judgment programs for theft offenses from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031, and extends exemption from release requirements for organized retail theft offenders to the same date.

• Authorizes courts to impose probation terms up to two years for shoplifting and petty theft offenses and requires referral to rehabilitation or collaborative court programs for defendants, with special provisions for defendants under 25 years of age.