Chico Times

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Democrats today introduced amendments to a series of public safety bills, leading to criticism from Republican leaders. The amendments include provisions for automatic repeal if voters pass an initiative aimed at increasing penalties for repeat thieves and fentanyl traffickers.

“Democrats’ attempt to force voters into choosing between good public safety bills and the citizen-led initiative is disgraceful,” stated Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “If Democrats truly cared about public safety, they would pass these bills with no strings attached. Instead, they’re sabotaging good solutions, ignoring law enforcement and crime victims and undermining the concerns of Californians.”

Before the adoption of these amendments, Republican lawmakers attempted to pass the original versions of the bills, but this effort was unsuccessful along party lines.

A leaked email this week from the Newsom administration revealed that their interference with these bills aims to prevent the initiative from appearing on the November ballot.