California Passes Tougher Crime Measure Backed by Retailers.

California voters passed Proposition 36, which rolls back parts of a 2014 criminal justice reform measure by reclassifying certain crimes as felonies instead of misdemeanors. The initiative, supported by a coalition of Democratic mayors, major retailers, and conservative district attorneys, aims to give prosecutors more power to charge thieves as felons and compel drug users into treatment. The measure softens the threshold for shoplifting to be charged as a felony and introduces a new category of crime targeting drug users, requiring treatment or facing prison time. The proposition divided California Democrats, with Governor Gavin Newsom opposing it, while supporters argue it is a necessary step to address issues like homelessness and addiction. [Extracted from the article]