FRESNO (KMJ) — A ballot initiative to alter Propositions 47 and 57, as well as AB109, received the full support of Fresno City Council.
The 7-0 vote Thursday afternoon came after Assemblyman Jim Patterson made an impassioned plea to both those gathered outside the chamber, as well as the Councilmembers inside.
“This campaign is a bi-partisan statewide effort to fix the serious problems that were created,” began Patterson.
The “Keep California Safe” initiative is designed to reverse what is described as the unintended consequences of Proposition 47 and Proposition 57.
“Sex trafficking of a child, assault of a police officer, rape of an unconscious person, domestic violence, and dozens of other serious and violent crimes should be felonies again,” added Assemblyman Patterson.
Supporters also want to reinstate DNA collection for certain misdemeanor crimes, reduce the limit for a theft to be considered a felony from the current $950, and force the Parole Board to consider a inmate’s entire criminal history. The ballot initiative to make the change is already gathering signatures.
“The goal is 365,000. We have 250,000 collected. Our deadline is April 30th.”
.@JimPatterson559 now appealing to @CityofFresno‘s Council to ask for support for a resolution to “fix” Proposition 47 and 57. More on @KMJNOW. pic.twitter.com/7slBB3JQHE
— Dom McAndrew (@DomMcAndrew) March 22, 2018
Other supporters include Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Fresno Police Officer’s Association, and Breaking the Chains.
Click here to read more about the campaign.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
