UCC CALLS FOR THE REPEAL OF PROP 47

SHERMN OAKS, CALIF, June 3rd, 2015; United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley has passed two resolutions, the first asking the California legislature to, “take all action necessary to repeal Prop 47”, the 2014 ballot proposition passed by the voters to reduce prison overcrowding and a second, in support of Assembly Bill 46, for the Control Date Rape Drugs and Assembly Bill 390, to allow DNA evidence collection for repeat offenders.

Following passage of Prop 47 police departments and county jails have been overwhelmed by large numbers of former California prison inmates set free due to the provision of Prop 47 that calls for the early release of drug and other non-violent felons. The result has been a sharp increase in automobile burglaries, store thefts and low level criminal activities, committed by formerly convicted and now released felons under Prop 47.

Two specific problems with Prop 47 were identified and also addressed and supported in companion resolutions: United Chambers supports passage of AB 46, to close the loophole in Prop 47 decriminalizing possession of Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine, all classified as date rape drugs. Likewise United Chambers also supports Assembly Bill 390 which would permit peace officers to collect DNA from people who are convicted of certain misdemeanors and also have past convictions for violent misdemeanor offenses, which presently is not allowed under Prop 47.

As of the writing of this press release the Assembly shelved AB 46, leaving Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine as misdemeanors. AB 390 which would allow collect key evidence from known criminals is now in the Senate for consideration.

Narcotics arrests are down as law enforcement officers have decided that the time needed to process a case is not worth it. Of the nearly 4,500 people arrested by L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies on Proposition 47 crimes since early November, 2014, more than 460 have been rearrested — some multiple times.

Proposition 47 has clearly led to more crime not less while weakening the incentive for drug abusers to use the drug treatment services. Further Prop 47, as it presently stands, poses a threat to every law abiding citizen of the State of California from many criminals released under Prop 47.

United Chambers believes it has a duty to its members and to the public to provide for a safe and prosperous environment for everyone.

We believe Prop 47 is fails to provide any solution for criminal activities other than to relieve state prison overcrowding. We encourage the Legislature to take up and pass AB 46 and AB 390 immediately as temporary patches for the flaws of Prop 47.

While United Chambers believes that Prop 47 fails to protect the public. United Chambers recognizes that there is little chance of total repeal of the Proposition; however, we believe that our position sends a clear message to the state Legislature that we want it to take the lead in correcting the shortcomings of Prop 47 and thereby protect the public. We welcome the dialogue that will hopefully be generated by this statement.

For further information please contact United Chambers of Commerce.