Our Key Issues
CRA's advocacy program is focused on promoting, preserving and enhancing California's retail industry. CRA works with a top team of lobbyists who have advocated on retail issues for over 20 years. Their expertise, along with CRA's collaborations, allow CRA to effectively influence state public policy at the State Capitol and in major cities across California.
- Artificial Intelligence
- California Air Resources Board
- CalOSHA Regulations
- Compliance
- Corporate Taxes
- Dynamic Pricing
- Environmental Responsibility/EPR
- Labor Issues
- Online Marketplace
- Organized Retail Crime/Retail Theft
- Paid Sick Leave
- Predictive Scheduling
- Privacy
- Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
- Supply Chain
- Transportation
- And More
To view CRA's latest bill tracker, visit CRA's member portal. *Must be a CRA member to access the portal.
Consumer and Privacy Protection
Economic Vitality
Regulatory AND Legislative Advocacy
CRA’s team of advocates are on the front lines of ensuring retail’s voice is heard in the State Capitol and in City Halls across the state. CRA collaborates with other likeminded organizations and associations and encourages our members to advocate for CRA priority issues including: Alcohol Beverage Control, CA Air Resources Board, CalRecycle, Cal/OSHA, Dynamic Pricing, Environmental Sustainability/EPR, Grocery, Local Government Affairs, Pharmacy, Privacy, Prop. 65, Taxes, On-line Marketplace, Organized Retail Crime/Retail Theft.
Workforce Development
Retailers depend on their employees because retailers know they would not be successful without a robust workforce. CRA is working hard to ensure employment policies benefit CRA member employees and their safety while not being overly burdensome to employers. Protecting employees, consumers and the economy are top priorities for the Association.
ORC & Retail Theft
Organized retail crime is a multi-million-dollar loss to the retail industry in California and affects main street retailers, regional retailers and national brands. CRA is on the front lines advocating for retailers at the state and local level for polices that protect both consumers and retailers.
In 2024, CRA shepherded a package of eleven bi-partisan Retail Theft bills through the state legislature and to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk where he signed them into law. The bills' swift movement made it clear Retail Theft policy priorities underwent a major shift that year. This seismic shift is a testament to the CRA team's strategic and persistent work with state leadership including the Governor's office, Speaker's office, Senate Pro Tem, various members of the legislature and other key stakeholders to ensure the safety of our customers, stores and neighborhoods in which we operate in.
Click HERE to view the list of bills that are now state law.
Environmental Sustainability
CRA works with many associations and groups to ensure we protect two of retail's most important assets: environment and people. Retailers are on the cutting edge of environmental sustainability. Our team works to connect retail expertise and values on environmental issues with members of the State Legislature, the Administration and various regulatory boards to ensure our members are informed and have a voice when these important issues are being debated.
CRA also recently launched the California Retailers for Environmental Innovation, a transformative coalition dedicated to advancing sustainability and environmental leadership within the state's retail sector.
The Coalition brings together retailers, service providers, local governments and industry partners to shape California’s complex environmental policy landscape through collaborative and practical solutions. Read more about the launch HERE and how to join HERE.
