California Democrats Push Rival Crime Measure to Challenge Prop 47 Rollback

Newsom and legislative leaders propose a softer initiative on retail theft and fentanyl, aiming to counter a stricter Republican-backed measure.

The Democratic proposal requires a simple majority to get on the November ballot, unlike the two-thirds majority needed for the Republican-backed measure.
The initiative includes jail time for repeat shoplifters and harsher penalties for selling fentanyl.
Democrats secured support from the California Retailers Association, which sees the measure as a balanced solution.
Critics accuse Democrats of political maneuvering to undermine the more stringent Republican initiative.
If both measures pass, the one with the most votes will take effect, leading to potential voter confusion.