Proposition 36 overwhelmingly passes in California, reversing some Soros-backed soft-on-crime policies
A new ballot measure has passed in California, aiming to reverse some of the state’s most controversial soft-on-crime policies. Proposition 36, known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, seeks to undo certain aspects of Proposition 47 by increasing penalties for certain crimes.
Proposition 47, which was approved in 2014, reduced most thefts from felonies to misdemeanors if the stolen amount was under $950, with exceptions for prior convictions of serious crimes such as murder, rape, certain sex offenses, or specific gun crimes. However, in recent years, retail establishments have faced a surge in theft, smash-and-grab robberies, and organized retail crime gangs, prompting the need for reform.
A September survey by the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that a significant 71% of Californians supported Proposition 36, despite strong opposition from progressive groups. The measure addresses concerns about the impact of Proposition 47 on businesses and communities, particularly in terms of theft and drug-related offenses.
One of the key figures behind Proposition 47, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, could potentially lose his seat to Republican challenger Nathan Hochman. Gascón, supported by billionaire George Soros, has been a proponent of progressive criminal justice reform, which has faced criticism in light of rising crime rates.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been a vocal opponent of Proposition 36, arguing that it would lead to a return to outdated mass incarceration practices. However, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan have expressed their support for the measure, emphasizing its potential positive impact on cities across the state.
Various law enforcement organizations, including the California District Attorneys Association, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association, have endorsed Proposition 36, highlighting the widespread support for revising California’s criminal justice policies.
As the state navigates the implications of these legislative changes, it remains to be seen how Proposition 36 will address the challenges posed by Proposition 47 and whether it will effectively balance the need for public safety with efforts to reduce incarceration rates. The outcome of this ballot measure underscores the ongoing debate surrounding criminal justice reform in California and the broader implications for law enforcement, communities, and the justice system as a whole.
