STATE — A vicious bipartisan battle is brewing in the state legislature over reforms regarding Proposition 47, the controversial measure passed in 2016 reducing criminal sentences and reclassifying certain crimes as misdemeanors.
The battle is in contrast to a bipartisan effort to support a proposed ballot measure known as the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, which would reform Prop. 47. Several months ago, a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, district attorneys and others launched a signature drive with one press conference in March in San Marcos featuring San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and others.
But the battle in the legislature has ramped up in recent weeks as Democrats and Republicans have put forward a multiple-bill package, known as the Safer California Bill Package. It addresses retail crimes, theft and drug crimes, especially fentanyl.
The ballot measure, which qualified for the election on Tuesday, would reclassify theft of more than $450 to a felony after Prop. 47 made it a misdemeanor. The new measure would also reclassify certain crimes to pre-Prop. 47 levels such as some drugs classified as hard drugs (fentanyl) and firearm offenses, reinstitute habitual offender punishments, address great bodily injury cases and creates new drug treatment options, according to the measure.
POLL
Do you support the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act and reforming Prop. 47?
