In response to the surge in crime rates across California, particularly in cities like Sacramento, advocates are rallying behind a proposed ballot initiative to amend Proposition 47. The initiative, dubbed ‘The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,’ aims to address the loopholes in the existing law that have contributed to rising crime rates.

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, has faced criticism for its leniency towards certain crimes, including drug possession and theft under $950. Critics argue that this leniency has led to underreporting of theft crimes and a lack of accountability for repeat offenders.

The proposed initiative seeks to rectify these issues by allowing felony charges for certain drug possessions and thefts under $950, particularly for repeat offenders. Additionally, it introduces the concept of treatment-mandated felony, providing offenders with the option to undergo drug and mental health treatment in lieu of incarceration.

Advocates of the initiative argue that stricter penalties for drug-related crimes and thefts could help deter criminal activity and reduce the prevalence of homelessness and drug addiction on the streets. A recent survey of likely California voters revealed overwhelming support for the initiative, with 70% expressing support for the title and summary of the act.

In Sacramento, supporters of the initiative are organizing signing events to gather signatures for the November 2024 ballot. One such event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 25th, at the Walmart in Citrus Heights from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

With 400,000 California voters already signing the petition, the initiative is gaining momentum statewide. Advocates hope that by amending Proposition 47, they can make significant strides towards reducing crime, addressing homelessness, and combating drug addiction in the state.

As the debate surrounding the initiative continues to unfold, its impact on California’s criminal justice system and communities remains a focal point of discussion.