The Black Lives Matter movement has had limited legislative successes, but one notable achievement is the passage of Proposition 47 in California following Michael Brown’s death in 2014. However, this legislation, which reduced penalties for many nonviolent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, has been widely criticized and is now up for potential repeal through a new ballot proposition.
California has seen a surge in crime since Proposition 47, prompting Democratic lawmakers to collaborate across party lines to introduce over a dozen bills aimed at strengthening law enforcement’s ability to prosecute criminals. These bills propose measures such as creating new felonies for organized retail theft and vehicle break-ins, enhancing penalties for high-value theft, and establishing an Organized Retail Theft task force within the California Highway Patrol.
Despite these efforts, many believe the measures don’t go far enough. In response, a coalition of business leaders, district attorneys, and victims’ groups has gathered sufficient signatures to place the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act on the ballot. This initiative aims to raise penalties for fentanyl dealers, allow repeated misdemeanor theft offenders to be charged as felons, create new penalties for property damage during robberies, and increase penalties for those causing significant bodily harm during felonies.
California Democrats oppose these new measures, arguing they would lead to mass incarceration that disproportionately affects black and brown communities. Instead of debating the merits of these measures with voters, Democrats are adding nullification clauses to bipartisan anti-crime legislation. This tactic would effectively repeal the new anti-crime laws if the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act passes, creating confusion among voters and undermining democracy.
As crime remains a significant concern for Californians, alongside unaffordable housing driven by stringent environmental regulations, Democrats’ resistance to voter-driven anti-crime measures adds to the challenges facing the state.
