Top California Democrats announce ballot measure targeting retail theft

Top California Democrats unveiled a plan to combat retail theft, countering a similar business-backed measure. Both proposals aim to make repeat shoplifting a felony and increase penalties for fentanyl dealers. Democrats propose a three-strike policy with prior convictions counting toward harsher sentences, while business groups’ plan would roll back parts of Proposition 47. Lawmakers hope to vote and send the measure to Gov. Newsom before Wednesday’s deadline, aiming for a November ballot. Critics argue the business-backed plan would disproportionately impact low-income individuals, while Republicans call the Democrats’ plan a “sham.”