Under current law, many violent crimes in California that impact our communities, such as domestic violence, date rape, the sex trafficking of children, and assault with a deadly weapon, are considered “nonviolent” offenses.
This means that thousands of offenders who have been convicted of these violent crimes are eligible for early prison release, without serving their full sentences and without warning to their victims.
In addition, habitual retail theft is affecting the small businesses in our communities. Theft has increased by 12-25 percent, with losses of more than $10 billion dollars and counting, since the passage of Proposition 47 four years ago. This puts a strain on the already decreased local sales tax revenues related to COVID-19.
In 2016, Proposition 47 reduced theft under $950 to a simple misdemeanor, allowing offenders to steal repeatedly with virtually no consequence, provided each theft is below the $950 threshold.
Proposition 20 addresses two urgent and costly issues facing California cities – rising violent crime, and an increase in retail theft.
The proposed law appropriately reclassifies as “violent” some heinous crimes currently categorized as “nonviolent” to ensure those convicted of these crimes serve their full sentences. In addition, Proposition 20 will protect our community from violent offenders by preventing early release of those who have committed these serious crimes.
Furthermore, Proposition 20 creates two additional categories of punishable crimes with increased penalties to address “serial” theft and “organized retail” theft, crimes that deeply affect our already struggling small businesses and residents. In the previous 12 month period ending October 7, 2020, the City of Rocklin has experienced a 17% increase in Larceny crimes, an increase of nearly 100 additional thefts. Further, auto theft is up 21%, an increase of 13 additional motor vehicles stolen from our community in the previous 12 month period.
In short, Proposition 20 seeks to fix the laws enacted by Proposition 47 in 2014. A comparison of the two propositions is attached to this Staff Report as Attachment 1, along with additional information provided by the Yes on 20 Coalition.
Supporting the passage of Proposition 20 is consistent with the Legislative and Regulatory Platform adopted by the City Council by Resolution 2019-63, which includes the support of “Legislation efforts to improve local law enforcement…” and “Legislation that seeks funding to assist local law enforcement in reducing crimes related to illegal drugs, burglary and assault, etc…” In addition, the passage of Proposition 20 is supported by the League of California Cities.