CALIFORNIA, USA — The effort to reform California's Prop 47 will no longer clash with a similar ballot measure in November.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that an alternative to those retail theft reform efforts, one that he said included new penalties for repeat offenders, stricter measures to hold fentanyl dealers accountable and expanded access to drug treatment programs, wouldn't be seeing the November ballot.
“Despite these efforts and having the votes necessary to pass the measure, we are unable to meet the ballot deadline to secure necessary amendments to ensure this measure’s success and we will be withdrawing it from consideration," Newsom said in a statement to ABC10.
Newsom said he's expected to sign a public safety package that expands criminal penalties, boosts police and prosecutor tools and cracks down on retail theft.
"I look forward to working with the Legislature and our public safety and retail partners to go even further in the days ahead, without returning to the damaging policies of decades past," said Newsom.
The measure would have competed with a tough-on-crime initiative backed by law enforcement and retailers.
State leaders said their plan would increase penalties for shoplifting and avoid putting more people behind bars. The retailers’ proposal would make stealing and some drug charges a felony for repeat offenders.
Republican lawmakers blasted the Democrats’ plan, calling it “ a sham ” to confuse voters.
A full statement from the governor is available below.
“Building on the state’s $1.1 billion investment to hire more police and tackle crime, I will soon sign a robust public safety package that expands criminal penalties, bolsters police and prosecutor tools, and cracks down on retail theft — the most significant reform in decades. I look forward to working with the Legislature and our public safety and retail partners to go even further in the days ahead, without returning to the damaging policies of decades past.
“For months, attempts were made to engage the California District Attorneys Association in this effort. They refused, opting to instead push a ballot measure that would revive policies from the era of mass incarceration and the failed War on Drugs.
“Working with stakeholders and the Legislature, we chose to introduce an alternative measure for Californians to consider that represented a balanced and comprehensive strategy that put public safety first without reverting to outdated and ineffective policies of decades past. It included stiff new penalties for repeat offenders, stricter measures to take down fentanyl dealers, and expanded access to drug treatment programs in our communities.
“Despite these efforts and having the votes necessary to pass the measure, we are unable to meet the ballot deadline to secure necessary amendments to ensure this measure’s success and we will be withdrawing it from consideration.
“I'd like to thank the Legislature and countless stakeholders who came to the table to work on meaningful reforms and I look forward to our work ahead.”
WATCH ALSO:
