Prop. 47 Reduced California’s Prison Population, But at What Cost?

At a panel discussion, defenders of the 2014 ballot measure say it ‘directly addressed the root causes.’ Opponents see a retail theft crisis.

An inmate at the Mule Creek State Prison sits on his bunk bed in a gymnasium that was modified to house prisoners in Ione, Calif., on Aug. 28, 2007. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

SACRAMENTO—With a ballot initiative process well underway to repeal Proposition 47—a controversial law passed by voters in 2014 to lower prison populations by reducing some drug and theft crimes from felonies to misdemeanors—the debate continues about how the law is affecting California and how best to address public safety concerns.

Experts from both sides of the issue met April 24 in downtown Sacramento for a panel discussion about how Prop. 47 is impacting the state and what steps are needed to alleviate concerns raised by businesses, citizens, and law enforcement officials.