In a surprising development, Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democratic lawmakers abruptly withdrew their proposed anti-crime measure from the November ballot. The measure, which resulted from extended negotiations, aimed to counter a Republican-backed initiative designed to repeal parts of Proposition 47. Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified some nonviolent felonies as misdemeanors, significantly reducing incarceration rates for these offenses.
Newsom’s proposed measure sought to increase penalties for repeat shoplifting and drug dealers selling fentanyl without buyers' knowledge. It included provisions to make a third petty theft offense within three years punishable by up to three years in jail and to classify thefts involving goods valued over $950 as felonies. The measure also aimed to stiffen penalties for fentanyl dealers.
Despite Newsom's efforts to present a "balanced approach" to criminal justice reform, the proposal faced significant opposition from both progressive and moderate Democrats. Progressive members were concerned about the potential for increased incarceration, while moderates valued the support of law enforcement groups that backed the more conservative initiative. The measure also did not gain traction with law enforcement groups, who opposed the reforms.
Complicating the situation, Newsom’s tight timeline to finalize the legislation led to its withdrawal. With lawmakers leaving for the July 4 holiday and a looming deadline, the measure lacked the necessary votes for passage. Newsom attributed the failure to the compressed timeline but noted that the measure had sufficient support to pass had there been more time.
This decision marks a significant victory for the California District Attorneys Association, which has long opposed Proposition 47. Their proposed measure, which will now appear on the November ballot unopposed, aims to address retail theft, the fentanyl crisis, and homelessness through more stringent legal penalties.
Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and urged collaboration to amend Proposition 47 responsibly. The measure’s presence on the ballot without competition provides voters with a clearer choice on addressing crime and drug issues in the state.
Newsom has pledged to sign a package of anti-crime bills soon, calling them the most significant reforms in decades. This package aims to address public safety concerns without reversing the progress made in reducing mass incarceration and the adverse effects of the War on Drugs.