California Democrats have introduced a slate of bills targeting shoplifting and drug-dealing to put on the ballot in November, hoping to address concerns surrounding Proposition 47.

A coalition of retailers has garnered enough signatures to bring before voters the choice to amend Proposition 47, which downgraded some crimes such as drug possession and thefts to misdemeanors from felonies back in 2014. 

In an effort to avoid revisiting Proposition 47, California Democrats have introduced other legislation showing their interest in curbing crime. Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas introduced legislation making it easier for police to make certain arrests and establish a “serial” theft offense, and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, also a Democrat, introduced similar legislation. Neither has expressed support for Proposition 47. 

Both San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said the introduced bills may be able to help move efforts away from putting Proposition 47 on the ballot. 

“If the legislature can come together on a meaningful bill and get it on the governor’s desk sooner rather than later, that also could serve to give them some leverage,” Dyer told Politico. 

Gloria said he will have to “wait and see” if any of the proposed legislation is sufficient and actually gets signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) before shifting support away from Proposition 47. Gloria emphasized they shouldn’t have to wait until November to see policy changes. 

“I think every single one of us wants to see change on this issue,” Gloria told Politico. “And what I heard [this week] is a recognition from both houses and the executive branch that change has to come. So the pendulum is swinging.”

The Californians for Safer Communities Coalition said Proposition 47 should be brought to the voters.

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“While the proposed legislative bills are a step in the right direction, much more needs to be done to effectively hold individuals accountable and improve the safety of all Californians,” the Californians for Safer Communities Coalition said in a statement.

In 2020, voters rejected an amended version of Proposition 47 that would reduce the number of inmates eligible for parole.