Bill > SB276

This bill authorizes the City and County of San Francisco to adopt a specific ordinance requiring permits for selling merchandise on public property that has been commonly targeted by retail theft. The proposed ordinance must include detailed written findings supported by substantial evidence, demonstrating a significant pattern of stolen merchandise being resold on public property and showing that a permit system would help prevent retail theft. The bill mandates that before implementing such an ordinance, San Francisco must hold public workshops at least 60 days prior and conduct a 30-day public information campaign in multiple languages. The permit system would be administered by a local agency separate from the police department, with permit fees capped at $25 for low-income applicants. The ordinance would establish a graduated penalty system for permit violations, starting with warnings and potentially escalating to infractions or misdemeanors for repeated offenses. Importantly, the permitting agency would be prohibited from collecting information about vendors' immigration status or criminal history and must accept alternative forms of identification. The bill requires annual reporting to the Board of Supervisors and Legislature about the permit system's implementation, including details about permits issued and enforcement actions. The law would be in effect until January 1, 2031, and is designed specifically to address retail theft challenges in San Francisco, with the stated urgency of immediately addressing public safety concerns related to the reselling of stolen goods.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB276