new Statewide Poll In California, nearly three-quarters of the Golden State's residents “Proposition 47” – A 2014 referendum that reduced penalties for theft, forgery and drug offences.
Critics blame the current policy, which includes a provision that makes shoplifting of items under $950 a misdemeanor, for a surge in crime hitting the state's urban areas.
A poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California found that 71% of voters said they would vote “yes.” “Proposition 36” – Ballot initiative seeking these amendments.
The highest approval rating was 79% among residents of the Inland Empire, just east of San Diego and bordering Arizona, while the lowest was in the Bay Area, at 64%.
Kamala Harris played a 'significant role' in California's criminal law
According to a poll that meets Fox News polling standards, 63% of Democrats and 85% of Republicans support Proposition 36.
According to the California Department of State, Proposition 36 would allow felony charges for possession of certain types of drugs and theft under $950 if the defendant has two previous convictions, and would impose stiffer penalties on fentanyl dealers.
According to the department's “Financial Impact” section, approving Proposition 36 could also result in millions of dollars in “state criminal justice costs.”
Key supporters include the Crime Victims Coalition and the California District Attorneys Association, while opponents include Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton; According to CDOS.
Republican leader claims California Democrats are “using dirty tactics” to keep House 47 reforms from coming to the vote
California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke to reporters at the media center ahead of the debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The poll was conducted among more than 1,000 voters between August 29 and September 9.
Proposition 36 was reportedly initially introduced in part in July by two Democrats, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Maguire.
“Californians want safer, stronger communities, and with this commonsense approach we're doing just that,” Maguire said in a statement.
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A Southwest Airlines plane approaches San Diego International Airport through heavy traffic on Interstate 5 on June 28, 2024. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
“These are a systematic set of measures that will crack down on retail theft and hold perpetrators of violent drug crimes accountable without enforcing the draconian policies of the '80s and '90s that devastated communities of color and cost taxpayers billions of dollars.”
Fox News Digital also reached out to the California Republican for comment.
PPIC's research director told the Sacramento Bee that of the 10 ballot propositions scheduled for November, Proposition 36 is attracting the most attention.
“Proposition 36 on criminal sentencing currently leads the 10 state propositions in terms of support, interest and importance,” said Mark Baldassarre.
