SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The primary election is over, but work has already begun on what might appear on the November ballot.
One of the proposed measures looks to tackle the unintended consequences of the 2014 voter passed Proposition 47, which downgraded dozens of nonviolent property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.
Organizers for the measure called the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act says they are confident the measure will appear on the November ballot.
“It's got broad bipartisan support,” said Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association. “This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is a California issue. I think most residents of California have recognized that we are at a tipping point.”
If passed, Totten says it would hold repeat retail thieves accountable after two or more convictions, provide addiction or mental health services for people facing felony charges and add consequences for fentanyl dealers who cause injury or death.
“We are trying to restore accountability, some basic common sense if you repeatedly steal, you should be held accountable for that,” said Totten. “Californians wants change, and this is an answer to some of the significant issues that we are dealing with.”
The former Ventura County District Attorney says they have already gathered more than 500,000 signatures with the deadline approaching in 7 weeks, April 26th.
“The legal goal is 546,000,” said Totten. “We are nearing that very rapidly. But we will collect more than 800,000, just to be sure.”
Images of locked up displays and rampant retail theft are hard to miss, especially for Stephanie Duncan — who is fed up with retail theft.
“I come from the perspective of we need to fight for our communities,” said Duncan, who is a Land Park Advocate. “People are just coming in and taking what they want. And as long as it is less than $950 worth of items, it is not a felony.”
Duncan says she has seen many instances in-person or on video of thieves walking out of Sacramento’s Broadway Target location.
“This Target has the most retail theft of any Target in the region,” said Duncan.
2014’s Proposition 47 was designed to focus on violent and serious offenses and reduce prison overcrowding. But Duncan says the unintended consequences have caused retail theft to increase, meaning shoppers are paying the price.
Some state leaders have introduced bills to tackle the issues with Prop 47.
Governor Gavin Newson said earlier this year, he wants to crack down on property crimes, and avoid changing Prop 47.
Proponents of a statewide measure have been hosting signature events across the state. To see a full list, click here.
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