California Department of Justice crime statistics

California to Vote on Proposition 36 to Reclassify Thefts Under $950 as Felonies, Reversing 2014's Proposition 47 Amid Rising Crime

Oct 19, 2024, 04:00 PM

California voters will soon decide on a measure that could change the legal classification of thefts under $950 from misdemeanors back to felonies. This proposal, known as Proposition 36, is seen as a response to ongoing concerns about rising theft rates and repeat offenses in the state. Business owners have expressed frustration over the lack of effective deterrents, citing numerous incidents of theft, including a string of break-ins affecting local businesses. One business owner reported that their store has been targeted four times in recent years, while another noted repeated thefts at a Chinese restaurant. The push for reform comes in light of Proposition 47, enacted in 2014, which downgraded thefts under $950 to misdemeanors, a change that many believe has contributed to the increase in theft-related crimes.