Overview

• Progressive Democrats in California have unveiled a legislative package dubbed #SmartSolutions, focusing on services rather than penalties to address retail theft, fentanyl abuse, and support for crime survivors.
• The initiative emerges amid a divide among Democrats on how to tackle rising public concern over crime, with some advocating for harsher penalties and others for more rehabilitative approaches.
• Legislation includes proposals for diversion programs for theft-related offenses, increased staffing at grocery store checkouts, and tougher laws on petty crimes like retail thefts and smash-and-grabs.
• Critics argue that increasing penalties could lead to a return to mass incarceration policies of the 1980s and 1990s, while supporters see it as necessary for public safety.
• The legislative package is backed by a mix of 19 Democrats and two Republicans, highlighting a bipartisan effort to shift focus from incarceration to community contribution and support.