Majority of Californians support restoring felony theft penalties ahead of public vote

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California crime policies under fire amid surge in smash-and-grab robberies

Los Angeles Police Department's Deon Joseph and former Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley point the finger at politicians and district attorneys for creating an environment that promotes crime.

A new statewide poll in California found that nearly three-quarters of Golden State residents support making changes to "Prop 47" – the 2014 public referendum that reduced penalties for larceny, forgery and drug offenses. 

Critics have blamed the current policy – which includes the provision deeming shoplifting under $950 a misdemeanor – for the crime wave gripping urban areas of the state.

In the poll, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, 71% of likely voters say they will vote "yes" on "Prop 36" – the ballot initiative that seeks to make such revisions.

The highest support came from residents of the Inland Empire east of San Diego and bordering Arizona – at 79% – with the lowest coming from the Bay Area at 64%.

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Sixty-three percent of Democrats and 85% of Republicans support Prop 36, according to the poll, which met Fox News’ polling standards.

Prop 36 will allow felony charges for certain types of drug possession and thefts under $950, if the defendant has two such prior convictions, according to the California Department of State. It will also apply more serious penalties for fentanyl dealers.

The department said approving Prop 36 could also lead to millions of dollars in "state criminal justice costs," according to its "Fiscal Impact" section.

Prime supporters include Crime Victims United and the California District Attorney’s Association, while opponents include Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, according to CDOS.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom talks to journalists in the media center before the debate in Philadelphia between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The poll surveyed more than 1,000 likely voters and was conducted from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.

Prop 36 was originally introduced in part by two Democrats, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, in July, according to reports.

"Californians want safer, stronger communities, and we’re delivering exactly that with this commonsense approach," McGuire said in a statement.

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A Southwest Airlines plane approaches San Diego International Airport over traffic on Interstate 5 on June 28, 2024. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

"These are a methodical set of measures that will crack down on retail theft and hold offenders accountable for hardcore drug crimes, without enacting the Draconian policies of the ‘80s and ‘90s that devastated communities of color and cost taxpayers billions of dollars."

In response, the California legislature's two Republican leaders called the poll results a sign of pushback against the Democratic majorities' policies:

"Gavin Newsom and his Democratic politicians tried to stop Prop 36, but regular Californians - even Democrats - are revolting against the far left’s pro-criminal policies and demanding real reform. People are fed up with the lawlessness and poverty that have become California’s trademarks and want accountability to turn things around," said Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City.

"Governor Newsom and Democrat leadership in the Legislature spent this year working overtime to block desperately needed Prop 47 reforms. The latest poll proves just how out of touch they are – over 70% of Californians disagree with them," added Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, R-San Diego.

"This is not a partisan issue. People are fed up with the rampant crime, homelessness, and lawlessness. In November, Californians will have a real chance to turn things around and fix our state," he said.

The PPIC’s survey director told the Sacramento Bee that of the 10 ballot initiatives primed for November, Prop 36 is getting the most attention:

"Proposition 36 on crime sentences currently leads in support, interest, and importance among the 10 state propositions," Mark Baldassare said.