SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are facing a critical decision this week on a new crime initiative that could lead to two crime-related questions appearing on the November ballot. Governor Gavin Newsom and a group of Democratic lawmakers have put forth a proposal aimed at rivaling an existing initiative supported by law enforcement and business groups, which seeks to increase penalties for thieves and drug dealers. This new initiative, known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, has been finalized on Sunday night in an attempt to address concerns over Proposition 47, a law that many critics blame for a rise in crime, drug use, and homelessness.

The proposed initiative includes measures to create harsher penalties for drug dealers who lace fentanyl into other drugs and for repeat thieves who engage in multiple acts of petty theft or shoplifting. It also allocates funds from Prop 47 towards expanding mental health and drug treatment programs. Known as Proposition 2, this legislative initiative may seem similar to the law enforcement-backed initiative, but it includes specific jail time penalties, while the latter allows judges discretion in sentencing drug offenders to county jail or prison.

If both initiatives pass, the one with the most votes will take effect. The legislation also includes provisions for a special election to consider the measure on election day, requiring a simple majority vote to send it to the ballot. Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the measure Wednesday night, although it remains unclear if the legislative initiative will gain enough support to appear on the November ballot.

Efforts to negotiate the removal of the existing qualified measure from the ballot failed, leading to the finalization of the new strategy by legislative leaders and Governor Newsom. The previous attempt to leverage a set of retail theft bills with controversial amendments also faced challenges, resulting in the need to adjust the strategy to ensure the success of the legislative initiative.

In the midst of increasing concerns over crime rates and drug-related issues, the decision by California lawmakers on these competing crime initiatives could have far-reaching implications for the state’s criminal justice system. With the November ballot fast approaching, the outcome of these votes may shape the future of crime policy and law enforcement practices in California.