Small businesses, social justice leaders and families impacted by California’s crime and fentanyl crisis are coming together in opposition to the “poison pills” that could be added to a public safety bill package.
Legislative leaders behind the public safety bills could still add inoperability clauses to the bills, which would prevent them from going into effect if voters approve the Prop 47 reform initiative.
Democratic leaders have been trying to negotiate the initiative off the ballot saying some of the bills might legally conflict with the initiative.
The Secretary of State’s office confirmed Tuesday that the Prop 47 reform initiative will be moving forward and is eligible for the November ballot.
The law passed in 2014, reducing some felonies to misdemeanors including property crimes valued at 950-dollars or less. Critics claim that’s why retail thefts have surged. A new measure would raise penalties for those caught stealing or having certain drugs like fentanyl. It also increases punishment for repeated shoplifters.