California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers abruptly cancelled an anti-crime ballot measure just one day after announcing its release. The initiative, meant to rival a similar proposal backed by Republican lawmakers, was intended to tackle property crime and fentanyl trafficking.
The Democrat-backed measure aimed to increase penalties for repeat offenders, curb shoplifting, and enhance prosecutions of fentanyl dealers, while also providing resources for drug treatment programs. Newsom praised the competing measure as a crucial step towards safer, stronger communities, echoing the sentiments of Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire.
Lawmakers had been set to vote on Newsom’s measure on Wednesday night, but he was required to sign the bill before midnight to meet the ballot deadline. The legislation had faced opposition from law enforcement and some members of Newsom’s own party, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Republican-backed measure, meanwhile, seeks to repeal parts of Proposition 47, which reduced many crimes in California from felonies to misdemeanors. The bill has been backed by conservatives, big-box retailers, and prosecutors. In response to Newsom’s measure being scrapped, the California District Attorneys Association welcomed the change, stating they looked forward to collaborating on a campaign to reform Proposition 47 and address retail theft, the fentanyl crisis, and homelessness.
