California is not exactly a shining beacon of how the criminal justice system should operate. Believe it or not, the state can always come up with ways to make things worse.

The California legislature is pushing ahead with a bill that would allow cities to fine businesses up to $650 for the return of shopping carts that are stolen from those businesses. Current law permits only a $50 fine, which is considered a charge for the city locating and keeping custody of the cart. Adding $600 in possible fines and charges has been requested by San Jose, the new mayor of which has some good ideas for dealing with homelessness, but also has a budget crisis that these charges would likely go to addressing.