SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie joined State Senator Scott Wiener to celebrate Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of the SAFE Streets Act (SB 276), legislation designed to crack down on the sale of stolen goods while protecting legitimate street vendors.
Sponsored by Mayor Lurie and authored by Senator Wiener, the new law gives San Francisco the authority to target illegal fencing operations that contribute to retail theft and undermine public safety, marking another step in Lurie’s push for cleaner, safer streets citywide.
Under the SAFE Streets Act, law enforcement can issue escalating penalties against individuals selling stolen goods without proof of purchase—starting with warnings and culminating in misdemeanor charges for repeat offenders. The bill also allows San Francisco to require permits for merchandise frequently tied to retail theft while protecting permitted vendors and food sellers. Mayor Lurie said the law will “help enforce illegal vending operations while supporting small businesses,” thanking state leaders and the Mission Street Vendors Association for helping craft the legislation.
City officials credit recent initiatives, including a Mission District vending moratorium and street vendor pilot program, with improving neighborhood safety and cleanliness. According to a June 2025 city survey, more than half of local businesses reported positive change along Mission Street since the moratorium began.
“The SAFE Streets Act gives San Francisco another critical tool to go after bad actors,” said Public Works Director Carla Short.
