To some, it may appear Governor Gavin Newsom’s attention is currently divided between DC and the Golden State. California Democrats were counting on advancing a crime bill this week to combat property crime and the fentanyl crisis. However, legislators quickly reversed course and dropped the initiative within the same week it was announced.
Democratic Measure In Response to GOP Tough-on-Crime Ballot Initiative
The measure was touted by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday and is largely seen as the Democratic response to a Republican-supported crime measure that voters will directly vote on in November.
GOP Proposal for Criminal Reform
The GOP proposal for criminal reform would repeal aspects of Proposition 47, which downgraded many crimes from felonies to misdemeanors under state law.
Support for the Crime Measure
The crime measure is supported by retailers, conservative lawmakers, and prosecutors.
Newsom’s Initiative
Newsom’s initiative, as proposed and then quickly withdrawn, was intended to be a more moderate alternative to the original Prop 47 and the Republican-backed ballot measure.
Concerns Among Legislators
However, the rapidity with which the language was drafted and the bill’s unidentified impacts caused alarm among many moderates and progressives in the California legislature.
Previous Promises by State Legislature’s Leaders
An additional complication is that the State Legislature’s leaders had previously promised colleagues that rather than amending Prop 47, they would advance measures through regular order in the legislature to address concerns about its unintended effects.
Timeline for Ballot Initiative
The timeline for the initiative to appear on the ballot in November has now passed, as it needed to be passed and signed into law as of July 3.
Absence of Lawmakers and Newsom’s Trip to Washington
Given that many lawmakers were absent due to the July 4 holiday and Newsom’s unexpected trip to Washington to participate in a strategy summit with President Biden and other Democratic governors, top Democrats in California decided against efforts to add the ballot measure for this election cycle.
Future Possibilities for Legislative Action
That doesn’t mean that the legislature cannot address similar proposals outside of putting the question to voters.
Newsom’s Comments on the Withdrawal
Newsom commented on the change of plans, saying, “We are unable to meet the ballot deadline to secure necessary amendments to ensure this measure’s success, and we will be withdrawing it from consideration.
Thanks and Future Work
He continued, “I would like to thank the legislature, and countless stakeholders who came to the table to work on meaningful reforms, and I look forward to our work ahead.”
Opposition from the California District Attorneys Association
The California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) opposed the measure. Although it had backed the Republican measure, the CDAA has fought the ideas and policies promoted by Prop 47 for several years.
CDAA’s Response to the Withdrawal
The CDAA CEO Greg Totten said of the withdrawal, “We are pleased the Governor and Legislature have dropped their countermeasure and welcome them to join our campaign to amend Prop 47 to deal with retail theft responsibly, the fentanyl crisis, and homelessness.”
