According to Congressman Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, Vice President Kamala Harris is responsible for the changes in California prosecution policy brought about by Proposition 47 and Proposition 57, which have resulted in an escalation of crime rates. Although Harris did not endorse either measure, she authored their titles and descriptions on the ballot, which Kiley claims misled voters. Kiley voiced his concerns about this matter on social media.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Kiley stated that Kamala Harris referred to rape, human trafficking, and domestic violence as “non-violent” offenses. He accused her of manipulating voters into releasing offenders from prison early by including this claim on the ballot during her time as Attorney General of California. Kiley also shared a post where the architect of Prop. 47 gave credit to Harris for her contribution in helping the proposition pass, stating that her ballot description was greatly appreciated.
During her tenure as California Attorney General from 2011 to 2017, Kamala Harris held the responsibility of crafting the descriptions of initiatives and referendums that were not included on the ballot by the state legislature.
In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, also known as “Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor Penalties. Initiative Statute,” which converted theft under $950 and drug possession from wobblers (offenses that could be either a misdemeanor or a felony) to misdemeanors. While this initiative was not endorsed by Harris, it has resulted in many prosecutors’ offices lacking the resources to pursue these cases.
In 2016, California voters passed Prop. 57, also known as the “California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative”. This measure aimed to expand parole and early release opportunities for a significant number of crimes that were categorized as “nonviolent” – meaning any crime that was not directly classified as violent by the measure and its supporters.
While the state code may not list certain crimes as “violent,” some may still be considered as such by the general public. Such crimes, including rape of an unconscious victim or while under the influence, human trafficking involving minors, arson, drive-by shootings, and lewd acts against 14 or 15-year-old children, can still result in parole or early release for the offender.
The pandemic has caused a surge in crime rates in California, particularly in violent crimes. While the rest of the nation is experiencing a decrease in violent crime, California seems to be heading in the opposite direction.
