California State Senator Dave Min, a candidate for the House seat in Orange County, has announced his support for a November ballot initiative that seeks to increase prison sentences for retail theft and drug crimes. This initiative aims to amend parts of Proposition 47, a law enacted ten years ago that reduced penalties for certain non-violent felony crimes.
Min’s endorsement places him at odds with Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders in the California Legislature, who oppose the initiative backed by district attorneys. Min, previously undecided on the measure, stated that Proposition 47, while well-intentioned, has led to a significant increase in retail theft and smash-and-grab robberies.
Governor Newsom is currently rallying support for an alternative initiative that might also increase penalties for theft, but to a lesser extent than the district attorneys’ proposal, and it would not affect sentences for drug possession. The Legislature is expected to vote on Newsom’s proposal soon, with a tight margin anticipated in the state Senate.
Min’s campaign manager, Dan Driscoll, affirmed Min’s commitment to addressing issues related to Proposition 47. Min also intends to revise his retail-theft bill by removing amendments that would nullify the law if the ballot measure passes. This bill seeks to increase penalties for offenders who start fires in retail stores.
The endorsement of the tougher crime initiative comes as Democrats in the Legislature push for their own anti-crime legislation, which has faced criticism from Republicans over amendments that would be repealed if the initiative to roll back Proposition 47 is approved.
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