Democrats will use every means possible to block revision of Proposition 47
In a bold move, the California Democratic Party has declared that it will repeal a package of retail theft laws if Proposition 47, an amendment aimed at increasing prison sentences for drug possession and theft, is passed.
Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Democrats are opposing the amendment to Proposition 47, advocating instead for separate legislation to crack down on the recent surge in retail theft.
The amendment, which is on the ballot this Tuesday, aims to reverse parts of Proposition 47, which reduced drug possession crimes and theft of items valued under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors, thereby reducing the number of inmates.
The new proposal would eliminate the $950 threshold for a third theft offense, meaning a person who has stolen three times could be charged with a felony, regardless of the value of the stolen goods.
The same goes for a third drug possession offense. It also aims to increase prison sentences for organized and repeat retail theft.
The proposal also includes provisions to mandate treatment for individuals with multiple drug convictions.
This proposal is gaining support not only from retailers who say theft is spiraling out of control, but also from moderate Democratic Mayor London Breed of San Francisco, who argues that Proposition 47 has emboldened criminals.
San Francisco, grappling with drug addicts, homeless individuals, and organized retail chains facing rampant looting, has seen many businesses fleeing the city.
Mayor Breed, who is hoping for re-election, is supporting the amendment to the law, even going against the party line of the California Democrats.
The Democrats’ basic stance emphasizes lenient legal application for criminals and opposes sending more criminals to prison, while the Republicans and public opinion call for strong law enforcement to restore the California judicial system.
Stay tuned for more updates on this heated debate.
