Starting **January 1, 2025**, new **criminal justice laws** will be implemented in several states, including **California** and **Illinois**, addressing various crime and sentencing issues.
Amid a backdrop of rising crime rates during the **pandemic**, lawmakers are enacting "tough-on-crime" measures, despite mixed opinions on their effectiveness.
California's **new laws** include stricter penalties for property crimes and enhanced sentencing under a new **"smash-and-grab" law** aimed at retail theft.
In contrast, **Illinois** is advancing progressive reforms, with hundreds of bills set to reshape law enforcement practices and improve the justice process.
Experts predict states will continue to focus on **retail theft** and **violent crime** legislation in light of changing political landscapes, especially with a new administration taking office in **2025**.
For more details, visit the original article here: USA Today.