California Legislature passes bills to curb retail theft over objections from some Democrats The lights of the state Capitol glow at nighttime in Sacramento.

The passage of the 10 bills comes after Democrats unsuccessfully tried to derail a measure that could stiffen penalties for theft and drug crimes.

Bills addressing retail theft and car break-ins represented an attempt by Democrats to sway voters ahead of a ballot initiative that would stiffen penalties further. Some progressives objected.

The passage of the 10 bills comes after Democrats unsuccessfully tried to derail a measure that could stiffen penalties for theft and drug crimes.

The passage of the 10 bills comes after Democrats unsuccessfully tried to derail a measure that could stiffen penalties for theft and drug crimes.

The California Legislature has been back in session for less than a week, and lawmakers are already making retail theft bills a priority. After 10 of them passed the Senate and Assembly on ...

SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers on Monday gave final approval to a package of 10 bills meant to combat retail theft, an effort that divided Democrats as they confronted key issues in the ...

The passage of the 10 bills comes after Democrats unsuccessfully tried to derail a measure that could stiffen penalties for theft and drug crimes.

The passage of the 10 bills comes after Democrats unsuccessfully tried to derail a measure that could stiffen penalties for theft and drug crimes.