Newsom Drops Attempt at Competing Retail Theft Measure 

The BOMA/GLA Board of Directors recently endorsed Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act faces no more competition from Governor Newsom’s Proposition 2.  

Key Updates

Strategically, after Democratic leadership failed to secure support for 'poison bills' in the public safety bill package, prop. 2 was set for a last-minute vote. 

While these bills will no longer be repealed if the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act passes, Prop. 2 had aimed to be the Act’s new competition.  

However, it appears now that Newsom has dropped his attempt at a competing retail theft measure. 

Learn the Difference Between the Measures

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act: 

• Creates a new felony class for drug convictions known as "treatment-mandated felony." Those convicted multiple times of hard drug use would be required to seek treatment.    

• The measure would allow targeting of drug dealers dealing in "hard drugs" and adding fentanyl as a hard drug. Should someone die because of fentanyl, the dealer of the fentanyl could face a murder charge.    

• Regardless of the amount, someone with two prior convictions for theft would be eligible for felony charges.   

• The initiative's goal is to amend Prop. 47 to allow more tools for law enforcement.  

Prop. 2 (now withdrawn): 

• The bill increases penalties for selling fentanyl from 3-5 years to 4-6 years in jail. As well as possibly charging offenders with homicide if death occurs.  

• Adjusts felony prosecution criteria for theft crimes within a three-year timeframe after prior convictions. 

• Mandates that any prior conviction must involve theft over $50, regardless of how many times a person steals. 

• Changes Prop. 47 so if the combined value of stolen property exceeds $950 within 3 years from multiple thefts, the offense could be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony. 

The Fight Ahead 

Gov. Newsom’s Prop. 2 is no longer competition to undermine our endorsed Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. 

We look forward to a public safety bill package and this Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act getting the support they need to pass.  

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act campaign team at California's for Safer Communities says "We are pleased the Governor and Legislature have dropped their countermeasure and welcome them to join our campaign to responsibly amend Prop 47 to deal with retail theft, the fentanyl crisis and homelessness.” 

Continue to follow BOMA on the Frontline for updates.