California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders in the state legislature are working to negotiate a Proposition 47 reform measure off the November ballot. Proposition 47, which was approved by voters in 2014, made certain crimes, such as shoplifting and grand theft, misdemeanors instead of felonies if the value of the property stolen did not exceed $950. It also reduced penalties for the personal use of illegal drugs. However, law enforcement, businesses, and others have blamed the initiative for the increase in theft and other crimes in California. Newsom and some Democrats are pushing for public safety bills in response to these concerns, while some Democrats are planning to add inoperability clauses to prevent the bills from taking effect if voters approve the Prop 47 reforms.
The initiative to reform Prop 47 is likely to make it onto the ballot in November, as proponents have gathered the necessary signatures to support the measure. Some Democrat lawmakers are adding inoperability clauses to the public safety bills to ensure there are no inconsistencies in the law if the reforms are approved by voters. However, Republicans have called this plan a “poison pill” and oppose the inclusion of such clauses in the legislation. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones criticized the Democrats’ approach, calling it irresponsible and a cynical attempt to mislead voters. Republicans believe that the proposed changes to Prop 47, including enhanced penalties for repeat thieves and felony classification for possession of fentanyl, are necessary to address the rise in crime in California.
Governor Newsom has not indicated whether he would sign the legislation if it includes the inoperability clauses. He expressed skepticism about the need for the Prop 47 reform measure to be on the ballot, suggesting that legislative action could be a better approach with more flexibility. Democratic Senate Pro Tempore Mike McGuire believes that the legislative public safety package is the best choice for addressing crime in the state. He emphasized that the bills have the support of law enforcement, firefighters, retailers, store owners, and other trusted local leaders. However, Republican leaders are urging Democrats to stop playing politics with public safety and let voters decide on fixing Prop 47.
With California’s secretary of state having until June 27 to certify the November ballot, Democrat leaders have only a few weeks left to negotiate the measure off the ballot. Despite the opposition from Republicans and some Democrats, the push to reform Prop 47 is moving forward, with proponents of the measure gathering the necessary signatures for it to appear on the ballot. The debate over Prop 47 and the proposed reforms highlights the ongoing challenges faced by California in addressing crime and public safety concerns. Both Democrats and Republicans are advocating for different approaches to tackle the issue, raising questions about the best path forward to ensure the safety and well-being of Californians.
