California voters approved ten ballot proposals, including one that would reclassify some nonviolent crimes, such as shoplifting, as felonies and another that would raise the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation.
Here’s a look at some of the most impactful propositions presented to voters:
Proposition 36
Frustrated by what they regard as pervasive retail crime, voters backed an initiative making theft a felony for repeat offenders and boosting punishments for some narcotics charges, particularly those involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl. The tough-on-crime ballot item also grants judges the right to require those facing multiple drug crimes to seek treatment.
The legislation partially repeals a progressive law passed by voters in 2014 that reduced certain nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors, including theft under $950 in value and some drug charges. The turnaround underscores broad dissatisfaction among voters, who are increasingly placing the blame for homelessness and retail theft on criminal justice reform and progressive district attorneys.
The lack of local data makes quantifying the retail crime problem in California difficult. However, many argue that footage of large groups of people stealing in plain sight, such as at a boarded-up Nike store in Los Angeles after the Dodgers won the World Series last week, are proof of a crisis.
Proponents argue that the proposal is required to overcome legal loopholes that have made it difficult for law enforcement to prosecute shoplifters and drug dealers.
Opponents, including Democratic state leaders and social justice organizations, claim it will disproportionately arrest impoverished people and those with substance use disorders rather than focusing on ringleaders who employ huge groups of individuals to steal things for resale online. The program will also eliminate drug and mental health funds derived from reduced incarceration rates.
Proposition 32
This would raise the minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, up from the present rate of $16 per hour for the majority of individuals. It was too early to make a call as of Wednesday afternoon.
Fast food workers received a pay raise this year to at least $20 per hour, while some health care workers now earn at least $23 per hour.
If enacted, California would have the nation’s highest statewide minimum wage. In 2016, it became the first state to establish a $15 per hour minimum wage. Approximately 40 cities and counties currently have minimum wages greater than the statewide standard, with six of them requiring minimums exceeding $18 per hour as of this year.
Proponents of the California legislation believe it will benefit 2 million people, including hotel and grocery employees. Opponents claim it will raise costs, lead to increased taxes, and force firms to slash jobs.