Senate Republicans help block bill that would have let more dangerous felons walk free

In a major public safety victory for Californians, today Senate Republicans announced they helped block a bill that would have let more dangerous felons walk free.

Senate Republicans previously exposed the dangers of Assembly Bill 1231 (AB 1231)and how the measure would have undermined Proposition 36 (Prop.36), the public safety reform California voters overwhelmingly approved last November.

AB 1231 would have allowed those who commit felonies such as repeat theft, drug manufacturing, firearm crimes, hit-and-run with injury, and hate crimes to avoid real consequences through a broad "diversion" program.

"Today, common sense won," said Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares. "Californians have made it overwhelmingly clear-they're fed up with laws that let criminals off the hook. This bill would have allowed fentanyl traffickers and repeat offenders to dodge serious consequences. That's not reform-that's reckless. The defeat of AB 1231 is a win for every Californian who wants real accountability and safer communities."

"This outcome is a win for Californians who are tired of soft-on-crime policies," said Senator Kelly Seyarto, Vice Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. "The public has demanded accountability, and today we delivered."

"Stopping this bill protects the integrity of the reforms voters approved," said Senator Roger Niello, Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee. "AB 1231 would have directly undermined Prop. 36 and the will of the people. Now, we need to keep te momentum going and ensure the protections they voted for are fully funded."