2014 California Proposition 47

Referendum reducing some crimes to misdemeanors Proposition 47 Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor Penalties. Initiative Statute.http://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_47,_Reduced_Penalties_for_Some_Crimes_Initiative_(2014) California Proposition 47, Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative (2014) Ballotpedia November 18, 2014 California California 2014 11 04 4,238,156 2,871,943 7,513,972 2014 California Proposition 47 results map.svg County results For #28497C 80%–90% #47729E 70%–80% #7D9CBB 60%–70% #B6C8D9 50%–60% Against #BCBC83 60%–70% #DEDEBD 50%–60% Source: California Secretary of Statehttp://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2014-general/pdf/2014-complete-sov.pdf Statement of Vote, November 4, 2014 General Election California Secretary of State September 1, 2015 Proposition 47, also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, was a referendum passed by voters in the state of California on November 4, 2014. It recategorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies, as they had previously been categorized. The crimes affected were: Shoplifting, where the value of property stolen does not exceed $950 Grand theft, where the value of the stolen property does not exceed $950 Receiving stolen property, where the value of the property does not exceed $950 Forgery, where the value of forged check, bond or bill does not exceed $950 Fraud, where the value of the fraudulent check, draft or order does not exceed $950 Writing a bad check, where the value of the check does not exceed $950 Possession of most illegal drugs, below a certain threshold of weight The proposition was partly repealed by Proposition 36 in 2024. Effects In 2010, the California Legislature adopted AB 2372, which made most thefts of a value under $950 misdemeanors, increasing the threshold from $400, which had been in effect since 1982. This was done to keep the definition of felony theft consistent, while adjusting for the effects of inflation. Proposition 47 confirmed this action of the Legislature, and applied it to a few thefts which had not been addressed by the Legislature, primarily auto theft and the theft of some agricultural products. The measure also converted other nonviolent offenses, such as drug offenses, from felonies to misdemeanors.Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor Penalties. Initiative Statute. http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/propositions/47/ California Secretary of State November 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141111213742/http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/propositions/47/ 2014-11-11 The measure required that money saved as a result of the measure, would be spent on "school truancy and dropout prevention, victim services, mental health, and drug abuse treatment, and other programs designed to keep offenders out of prison and jail." The measure included exceptions for offenses involving more than $950 and criminals with records including violence or sex offenses.St. John, Paige October 11, 2014 Prop. 47 would cut penalties for 1 in 5 criminals in California https://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-ff-pol-proposition47-20141012-story.html November 16, 2014 Los Angeles Times For example, forgery had previously been a "wobbler" offense that could be charged by the prosecutor as a misdemeanor, or a felony. After the passage of Proposition 47, prosecutors cannot charge a forgery involving less than $950 as a felony, unless the defendant has a prior criminal record.http://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2014/general/pdf/text-of-proposed-laws1.pdf Text of Proposition 47 July 20, 2017 Proposition 47 was introduced to address prison overcrowding, adopt alternative sentencing methods, and reduce nonviolent offense incarcerations. It reclassified specific offenses – including some theft offenses not previously addressed in AB2372 and certain drug-related charges – as misdemeanors, rather than felonies. It did not eliminate the prosecution of these offenses. Prior to the adoption of AB2372 and the proposition, many instances of shoplifting were treated as misdemeanors. Since most shoplifting cases involve amounts under $400, the enforcement approach did not significantly alter prosecutions before or after the law's enactment.Loe Megan No, you can't steal up to $950 worth of merchandise in California without consequence under Prop 47 https://www.verifythis.com/article/news/verify/crime-verify/california-prop-47-shoplifting-950-fact-check/536-4d1de58e-bf47-4ede-8c2f-b4d0c1788b86 Verify 12 March 2021 TENGA INC 2023-08-29 Proposition 47 affects future convictions, and allows for people currently incarcerated for crimes covered by the measure to petition for re-sentencing.https://psmag.com/news/can-proposition-47-solve-californias-problem-mass-incarceration-93135 Can Proposition 47 Solve California's Problem With Mass Incarceration? Pacific Standard October 29, 2014 November 26, 2014 Pishko, Jessica In November 2015, a report by the Stanford University Justice Advocacy Project authored by the co-author of Proposition 47, found that Proposition 47 had reduced the state's prison population by 13,000 and that it would save the state about $150 million that year. The provision allowing past offenders to petition for resentencing would have expired on November 4, 2017. Governor Jerry Brown approved a bill that extended the deadline to November 4, 2022.https://www.pressenterprise.com/2016/09/29/new-law-gives-felons-more-time-to-get-record-changed-under-prop-47/ New law gives felons more time to get record changed under Prop. 47 The Press Enterprise September 29, 2016 March 10, 2018 Rokos, Brian March 11, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180311141501/https://www.pe.com/2016/09/29/new-law-gives-felons-more-time-to-get-record-changed-under-prop-47/ live Contrary to a misconception that circulated on social media, it did not make thefts under $950 no longer criminal offenses, nor would such thefts be left unpunished. To address concerns about organized retail theft, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2021 that increased flexibility for prosecutors; the legislation permits organized retail theft to be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, allowing tailored responses to the issue.Fraser Terrence Proposition 47 did not end prosecution of thefts under $950 in California https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-160551360299 AP NEWS 23 July 2021 2023-08-29 Support The measure was endorsed by the editorial board of The New York Times, which praised it as a way to reduce overcrowding in the state's prisons.https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/30/opinion/prop-47-could-take-the-state-a-step-further-in-reducing-overcrowding.html?_r=0 California Leads on Justice Reform The New York Times October 30, 2014 November 16, 2014 Editorial Board It was endorsed by the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times, which wrote that the measure was a "good and timely measure that can help the state make smarter use of its criminal justice and incarceration resources."https://www.latimes.com/opinion/endorsements/la-ed-end-proposition-47-20141007-story.html Endorsement: Yes on Proposition 47 Los Angeles Times October 6, 2014 November 16, 2014 Times Editorial Board The American Civil Liberties Union supported the measure, and donated $3.5 million to support it.http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/11/14/california-feloniestomisdemeanors.html 'Walking out of jail': Prop 47 frees felons with downgraded charges Al Jazeera America November 14, 2014 November 16, 2014 El Nasser, Haya Prominent individual supporters included Jay-Z and Newt Gingrich.https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/11/california-prop-47-mass-incarceration/382372/ Californians Vote to Weaken Mass Incarceration The Atlantic November 5, 2014 November 16, 2014 Ford, Matt Opposition Opponents of the measure include Mark A. Peterson, the District Attorney of Contra Costa County, who wrote before its passage that the measure "would make our neighborhoods and schools less safe".http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_26837963/guest-commentary-prop-47-will-make-our-neighborhoods Guest commentary: Prop. 47 will make our neighborhoods less safe Contra Costa Times October 31, 2014 November 16, 2014 Peterson, Mark It was also criticized by Nancy O'Malley, the District Attorney of Alameda County, who said it would "expose Californians to significant harm" and called it a "Trojan horse".http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Vote-No-on-Prop-47-Measure-ends-effective-crime-5768101.php Vote No on Prop. 47: Measure ends effective crime intervention San Francisco Chronicle September 19, 2014 November 16, 2014 O'Malley, Nancy Among the most prominent arguments made against the law was that possession of the date-rape drug Rohypnol would, like possession of other drugs, be punished as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, which critics described as a "slap on the wrist".https://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-prop-47-roofies-date-rape-20141028-story.html What does California's Proposition 47 have to do with date rape? Los Angeles Times October 29, 2014 November 16, 2014 Greene, Robert Critics also argued that not being able to use incarceration to force drug users into treatment would make it more difficult for drug users to enter into a treatment program.http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/10/proposition-47-crime-california-drugs/ Prediction: California crime wave coming San Diego Union-Tribune November 10, 2014 November 16, 2014 Editorial Board Efforts are underway to counteract the unintended consequences brought about by Proposition 47. Assemblyman Jim Cooper and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert advocate for Assembly Bill 16, a ballot initiative to resolve some of these negative effects. If the bill gathers sufficient support, Californian voters can amend the law. This proposed initiative suggests that individuals convicted of a third theft involving property valued at $250 could face felony charges. California's business community has criticized the state's criminal justice policies, particularly Proposition 47, which reclassified certain crimes, like theft of items under $950, from felonies to misdemeanors. (This is based upon a continuing misunderstanding of the effect of Prop. 47. Should the proposition be repealed, the change made by the Legislature in 2010 would still be in effect.) They claim that this adjustment has led to an increase in repeated shoplifting offenses, creating a crisis for retailers, since the adoption of Prop. 47. (Significantly, no such claim was made after the adoption of AB2372 several years prior.) Business leaders believe that the lenient approach has encouraged shoplifters and drug addicts to commit crimes with minimal consequences. Democratic Assemblymember Rudy Salas of Bakersfield introduced a bill to reverse a significant aspect of Prop. 47 by lowering the felony threshold for petty theft and shoplifting back to $400. Salas argues that Prop. 47's weakening of theft laws has triggered unintended consequences, and believes California voters are prepared to address this issue. Salas's move contrasts with the perspectives of prominent Democrats like Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, who have downplayed the connection between Prop 47 and the surge in organized retail crime. Salas's bill could resonate with GOP voters, many of whom attribute the rise in theft and crime to Prop. 47. Responding to Salas's bill, Republican state lawmakers proposed repealing Proposition 47, highlighting the ongoing debate and division surrounding the measure's impact on crime and public safety.Hoeven Emily Prop. 47 targeted by Dem, GOP lawmakers https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2022/01/california-crime-prop47/ CALIFORNIA MATTERS 5 January 2022 WHATMATTERS 2023-08-29 Impact on crime rates Crime in California In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported that "law enforcement officials and others have blamed Proposition 47 for allowing repeat offenders...to continue breaking the law with little consequence."https://www.latimes.com/local/crime/la-me-prop47-anniversary-20151106-story.html Unintended consequences of Prop. 47 pose challenge for criminal justice system Los Angeles Times November 6, 2015 December 5, 2015 Chang, Cindy Also that year, a spokesman for George Gascón, the district attorney of San Francisco, said that the law "has made it easier for drug offenders to avoid mandated treatment programs." The mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, has also suggested that the law may explain why his city's crime rates went from decreasing to increasing.http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/08/16/in_the_wake_of_proposition_47_california_sees_a_crime_wave_127780.html In the Wake of Proposition 47, California Sees a Crime Wave RealClearPolitics August 16, 2015 December 5, 2015 Saunders, Debra In a 2015 story in The Washington Post, the police chief of San Diego, Shelley Zimmerman, described Proposition 47 as "a virtual get-out-of-jail-free card." She and other police chiefs also expressed concern about the increasing phenomenon of "frequent fliers" – people who exploit Proposition 47 to commit crimes. For example, one criminal allegedly brought a calculator into a store to avoid stealing more than $950 worth of goods.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/national/2015/10/10/prop47/ In California, Prop 47 has turned into a 'virtual get-out-of-jail-free card' Washington Post October 10, 2015 February 5, 2016 Saslow, Eli The ACLU responded by releasing a report saying that those who linked Proposition 47 and crime were "making irresponsible and inaccurate statements."https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-proposition-47-aclu-report-20151110-story.html ACLU faults California law enforcement response to Prop. 47 Los Angeles Times November 10, 2015 December 5, 2015 Poston, Ben In November 2015, the director of the Stanford Justice Advocacy Project and co-author of Proposition 47, Michael Romano, said that with respect to Proposition 47, "In the long term, this reallocation of resources should significantly improve public safety". Romano authored a study supporting his conclusion.http://news.stanford.edu/news/2015/november/prison-early-release-110215.html California's early release of prisoners proving effective so far, Stanford experts say Stanford University November 2, 2015 February 5, 2016 Parker, Clifton A March 2016 report released by the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, concluded that it was still too early to determine whether Proposition 47 had an effect on California's crime rates.http://www.cjcj.org/news/10205 New Report! Is Proposition 47 to Blame for California's 2015 Increase in Urban Crime? Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice March 15, 2016 May 11, 2017 Males, Mike A June 2018 study by the Public Policy Institute of California found evidence that Proposition 47 may have contributed toward an uptick in larceny and auto break-in thefts.Bird Mia Lofstrom Magnus Martin Brandon Raphael Steven Nguyen Viet The Impact of Proposition 47 on Crime and Recidivism https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/r_0618mbr.pdf Public Policy Institute of California 9 March 20192Bob Egelko Prop. 47 is linked to increase in auto thefts, study says San Francisco Chronicle 12 June 2018 13 July 2019 https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Prop-47-is-linked-to-increase-in-auto-thefts-12989137.php The study indicates it found a decline in recidivism and no evidence of an increase in violent crime linked to Proposition 47.2 A 2018 study from the University of California, Irvine, maintains that Prop 47 was not a "driver" for recent upticks in crime, based upon comparison of data from 1970 to 2015, in New York, Nevada, Michigan and New Jersey, states that closely matched California's crime trends, but that "what the measure did do was cause less harm and suffering to those charged with crime."https://news.uci.edu/2018/03/07/proposition-47-not-responsible-for-recent-upticks-in-crime-across-california-uci-study-says/ Proposition 47 not responsible for recent upticks in crime across California, UCI study says March 7, 2018 Numerous media outlets have continued to report an increase in retail theft related to the passage of Prop 47. In 2016, large retailers Safeway, Target, Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies reported that shoplifting increased, by from 15% to as much as over 50% in some cases, since voters approved Proposition 47.Spike In Shoplifting Blamed On California Prop 47's Reduced Penalties https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/14/shoplifting-california-prop-47-reduced-penalties/ 19 December 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. May 14, 2016 In 2017, the Los Angeles Times reported that the California Supreme Court ruled that a person convicted of a felony for stealing a car may have that conviction reduced to a misdemeanor if the vehicle was worth no more than $950.Dolan Maura California Proposition 47 makes stealing a car worth $950 or less a misdemeanor offense, court rules https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-car-theft-court-20171130-story.html Los Angeles Times 30 November 2017 19 December 2019 In 2018, researchers found that Prop 47 contributed to a jump in car burglaries, shoplifting and other thefts.Associated Press Thefts rise after California reduces criminal penalties, report says https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-thefts-rise-california-20180613-story.html Los Angeles Times 13 June 2018 19 December 2019 In 2018, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Prop. 47 led to a rise in the larceny theft rate by about 9 percent, compared to the 2014 rate.Egelko Bob Prop. 47 is linked to increase in auto thefts, study says https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Prop-47-is-linked-to-increase-in-auto-thefts-12989137.php 19 December 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Hearst June 12, 2018 By 2019, organized retail theft was on the rise. Police and store owners attributed it to Prop 47.Organized Retail Theft On The Rise; Cops Blame Prop 47, Safe Neighborhoods Law https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/grab-and-dash-thefts-rise-police-blame-law/ KOVR September 25, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20250919064257/https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/grab-and-dash-thefts-rise-police-blame-law/ September 19, 2025 en-US After searching police reports and arrest records, CBS13 found that while the rate of these grab and dash crimes is on the rise, the rate of arrest is down. We turned to law enforcement and the retail industry for answers. Both blame a California law intended to make 'neighborhoods safe.' live Advocates of Proposition 47 underscored the importance of reallocating funds from incarceration to community-based treatment initiatives to decrease the likelihood of reoffending. Prop 47 dictates that 65% of the financial savings achieved by the state be directed toward mental health and substance use disorder treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The remaining funds are divided among K–12 schools (25%) and victim services (10%). The initial transfer of savings occurred in 2016, and the programs funded by these grants are relatively recent, making it unlikely for them to have had an immediate impact on recidivism rates.Proposition 47 Grant Program https://www.bscc.ca.gov/s_bsccprop47/ CA.GOV BSCC CALIFORNIA 2023-08-29 These grant programs are administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), specifically focusing on mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and interventions before an individual's arrest or booking into a jail facility. Public agencies are responsible for submitting grant applications. A minimum of half the funds must be allocated to non-governmental community-based organizations. These grants provided by the BSCC span three years, with approximately $104 million distributed from June 2017 to August 2020. Diverse projects have been funded across various counties, targeting different age groups, types of offenses, and stages within the criminal justice process. These programs involve collaboration between multiple organizations. Although they currently serve a relatively modest number of individuals annually, successful initiatives have the potential to be expanded in the future. Efforts to reform or repeal In 2020, Proposition 20 was put on the ballot which, among other changes, would have given prosecutors the ability to charge certain thefts as felonies again. It failed with 38% of the vote.https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_20,_Criminal_Sentencing,_Parole,_and_DNA_Collection_Initiative_(2020) California Proposition 20, Criminal Sentencing, Parole, and DNA Collection Initiative (2020) September 13, 2024 Ballotpedia In November 2024, Proposition 36, called the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, was placed on the ballot.https://www.abc10.com/article/news/politics/reform-prop-47/103-164362bc-ac05-4ef7-bb92-21b6a0943cd9 A proposed statewide ballot measure aims to reform Prop 47 KXTV March 7, 2024 March 7, 2024 Sangha, Gurajpal "2024 California Proposition 36 would undo some of Proposition 47's reduced sentencing, such as theft of items worth $950 or less by a person with two or more past convictions would become a felony under Proposition 36 but is currently a misdemeanor."August 2025 It passed with 69% of the vote.August 2025 See also 2000 California Proposition 36 2004 California Proposition 66 References Category:2014 California ballot propositions Category:November 2014 in the United States Category:Criminal penalty ballot measures in the United States