Proposition 20 explained

Action News Now anchor Alan Marsden breaks down Proposition 20.

We continue now breaking down for you california's 12 state-wide ballot measures.

Tonight we look at prop 20 which essentially aims to get tougher on crime.

Here's what prop 20 would do, if passed: it would lower the bar on what type of theft qualifies as a felony - from 950- dollars to as little as $250 dollars.

It specifically targets repeat shoplifters and organized group shoplifters.

Prop 20 would also make it harder for people to get out of prison on supervised release by defining more crimes as "violent," such as date rape and domestic violence.

And prop 20 would require that dna samples are collected by law enforcement in more misdemeanor cases.

Supporters of prop 20 say other propositions successfully passed in recent years have been too soft on crime and the result has been more crime, including car theft and shoplifting.

They say prop 20 is needed to get tougher on criminals.

Opponents say tough-on-crime initiatives, such as the three- strikes law, have not worked.

Also, our prisons are too crowded with non-violent offenders.

So, a yes on 20 approves the constitutional amendments getting tougher on crime.

A no vote rejects the proposed changes.

Coming up on action news now at six, i'll break down prop 24 which aims to bring more data privacy to californians.