California Crime Surge Sparks Effort to Amend Controversial Proposition 47
Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to send 120 California Highway Patrol officers to Oakland to address the alarming surge in crime has drawn attention to a decades-old referendum that critics argue has emboldened criminals. Proposition 47, a 2014 law, downgraded penalties for petty theft and drug possession, reclassifying certain felonies as misdemeanors.
Under Prop 47, multiple offenses of petty theft valued under $950 are now classified as misdemeanors. Additionally, a wide range of narcotics possession offenses that were previously felonies have been converted to misdemeanors. The measure aimed to drive “more treatment, less jail,” as initially presented. However, critics argue that it has led to a decline in drug offender treatment.
The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, a ballot initiative seeking to amend Prop 47, has gained support from both sides of the political spectrum in California. The campaign behind the measure has already collected nearly 70% of the required petition signatures for it to be included on the November ballot. The initiative aims to address the unintended consequences of Prop 47 and provide a balanced and measured approach to the issue.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, both Democrats, recently endorsed the reform campaign. Mayor Breed, who initially supported Prop 47, acknowledged the unintended consequences of the measure in her city. She emphasized the need for real consequences for crimes committed and expressed concern about the impact on efforts to combat illegal drugs and theft.
Greg Totten, co-chair of Californians to Reduce Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft and CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, highlighted the decline in drug court and treatment programs since the implementation of Prop 47. He emphasized that the possibility of jail time and a felony conviction historically incentivized individuals to seek treatment. With that incentive removed, fewer individuals are entering treatment programs for hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, PCP, and fentanyl.
According to an Axis Research poll conducted in November, 70% of Californians are likely to support the measure amending Prop 47. The campaign has already collected over 360,000 signatures, well on its way to surpassing the required 500,000 signatures before the April deadline.
Critics argue that the surge in crime and theft, coupled with the rampant drug use and homelessness, has created an urgent need for change. Stores have implemented security measures, reduced inventories, and shortened operating hours due to the impact of criminal activities. O. H. Skinner, the executive director for the consumer advocacy group Alliance for Consumers, emphasized the significant consumer protection concerns arising from these issues.
The effort to amend Prop 47 aims to address the social chaos it has allegedly fostered in California communities. Supporters argue that California consumers deserve a chance to voice their concerns and opinions on the referendum’s impact. As the campaign moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the ballot initiative will provide the desired changes and mitigate the surge in crime.
Brianna Herlihy, a politics writer for Digital, will continue to provide updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
