Remarkable Support for California Crime Reform from DAs, Small Businesses, and Progressive Mayors

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

California’s Proposition 47 Faces Reforms to Address Crime Surge

In a bid to combat the rising crime rates in California, a ballot initiative seeking to amend Proposition 47, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, has gained significant traction. The initiative, which garnered over 900,000 signatures, far surpassing the required 500,000, will be on the November ballot after receiving an “unheard of” number of signatures.

Proposition 47, enacted in 2014, reclassified several felonies as misdemeanors, including retail and property theft, as well as narcotics possession offenses. However, the unintended consequences of the law, such as a fentanyl crisis, retail theft crisis, and homeless crisis, have prompted calls for reforms.

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho has thrown his support behind the initiative, pointing out the need for changes to address the surge in crime. Progressive California mayors like London Breed and Matt Mahan have also backed the reform campaign, recognizing the need to crack down on illegal drugs and theft.

Under the proposed reforms, repeated theft would be classified as a felony for individuals with prior theft-related convictions and enhanced penalties would be imposed on offenders engaged in organized theft. Additionally, a “treatment-mandated felony” would be introduced for offenders with multiple hard drug possession convictions, offering them the option to participate in drug and mental health treatment instead of incarceration.

Small business owners in California, including Tony Konja of Keg N Bottle in San Diego, have expressed their support for the policy change to address the impact of crime on their livelihoods. Konja emphasized the urgency of combatting the brazenness of criminals, including the homeless population, and the lack of police response to frequent crimes.

If passed, the reforms to Proposition 47 aim to address the public safety crisis in California by imposing stricter penalties for theft and drug-related offenses, while also providing options for treatment and rehabilitation for offenders. The broad support for the initiative underscores the pressing need for meaningful reforms to improve public safety and address the unintended consequences of existing laws.