What effect will decriminalizing transit fare evasion have in California?

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According to the Los Angeles County Probation Department, transit fare evasion is the number one cause of juvenile citations in Los Angeles County. The California Senate recently passed legislation that prohibits youths from being charged with a criminal violation for transit fare evasion and instead treats the offense like a parking ticket. California State Senator Robert Hertzberg — who introduced the legislation — said, "No kid should go to jail or be charged with a crime simply because he or she can’t pay to ride the bus or train." Kids will receive a fine, similar to parking tickets.