New Bill Aims To Allow Manhattan Beach To Prosecute Misdemeanors

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach is sponsoring a bill that aims to revise state law and allow cities to prosecute misdemeanors.

Under current California law, cities must first get permission from the county District Attorney in order to prosecute misdemeanors. Assembly Bill 2309, introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, would remove the consent requirement.

The bill would only be applicable to cities within Los Angeles County.

“AB 2309 would be a significant step forward in our commitment to combating crime in Manhattan Beach,” said Mayor Joe Franklin.

According to the city, the Los Angeles County District Attorney has denied consent to prosecute misdemeanors within Manhattan Beach. If enacted, AB2309 would remove the city's reliance on the District Attorney for prosecution and instead would authorize the City Attorney to prosecute misdemeanors.

The District Attorney would still be responsible for prosecuting felony crimes throughout the county.

“I am grateful for the partnership with Assemblymember Muratsuchi, whose dedication to our community has led to the introduction of legislation that would empower us to prosecute state misdemeanors locally," Franklin said. "This effort reflects our shared vision for a safer and more secure city through a more responsible and effective criminal justice system at the municipal level that will preserve our residents’ welfare and quality of life.”