SACRAMENTO, Calif — A new debate has sparked over Proposition 47 and what some people say are the unintended consequences.
"It is a horrendous situation. There are so many businesses shut down because of the repeated thefts, and there is simply no consequence for these people," said Pamela Smith, found for Mothers in Grief Support Group. She was among those gathered at the state Capitol to make voices heard Wednesday.
Prop 47 passed in 2014 and changed the way California handles certain crimes, making theft of less than $950 chargeable as only a misdemeanor.
10 years later, as the retail theft problem has grown, a Prop 47 reform measure is on track to qualify for the November ballot.
The new measure would allow felony charges for thefts under $950, and certain drug crimes, including fentanyl, could hold stiffer penalties.
The announcement comes as Democrats are pushing state lawmakers to fast track a package of bills to address retail theft and public safety.
"We need to make sure that we're pursuing reforms that are effective at targeting retail crime, while avoiding a wholesale rollback of reforms that work to make our communities safer, and avoiding imprisoning our most vulnerable people for minor infractions or acts of survival," said Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, (D-West Hollywood).
The "Californians for Safer Communities Coalition" gathered at the state Capitol to oppose what they call poison pill amendments inserted in the latest package of new bills from lawmakers. They said the Attorney General should prioritize public safety over politics, adding that the reform measure is needed now.
"I'm very glad that we collected enough signatures, and I certainly hope this thing passes because California pretty much is a disaster," said Smith.
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