Proposition 47 — reclassifying nonviolent drug/property crimes
2014–ongoing
Verified 21 May 2026 · Data dated 21 May 2026
Fresh · 8d ago
California voters approved Proposition 47 in 2014, downgrading six categories of nonviolent property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanours, with savings reinvested in mental health, drug treatment, and victim services.
Outcomes
Cut the state prison population by ~15,000 in the first three years. In 2024, voters approved Proposition 36 partially rolling Prop 47 back — increasing penalties for some repeat drug and theft offences.
Sources
Last verified 21 May 2026. This is editorial; we hand-curate this section. Spotted an error? Submit a correction.