Prop A: What You Need To Know About The Ballot Measure

San Antonio voters, get ready for the most anticipated ballot proposition of the year! Proposition A is expected to be the real draw on May 6th, with its potential to revolutionize the city. You've probably seen the commercials and heard the buzz around this proposed change to the city charter. And let me tell you, it covers some hot-button issues that are sure to get people talking.

Marijuana Decriminalization: A Pot of Controversy

Let's start with the big one – marijuana decriminalization. More than 20,000 verified signatures have successfully placed the San Antonio Justice Charter, also known as Proposition A, on the ballot. Initially, the focus was on decriminalizing marijuana possession of less than 4 ounces. This means that in most cases, arrests or citations for possessing small amounts of pot would be prevented. And hey, it would also keep the police from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause for a search. Talk about a win for the weed enthusiasts!

But hold on, this isn't just any decriminalization effort. San Antonio would be the first city in the state to attempt to decriminalize abortion through a local ballot initiative. This proposition would largely prohibit police from investigating abortion crimes and gathering information on abortions, unless it is required by state or federal law. It's a bold move that has stirred up quite the controversy.

Cite and Release: Keeping It Light

Now, let's talk about cite and release. San Antonio already has a program that allows officers to cite people for certain misdemeanors instead of arresting them. But Proposition A takes it a step further. It expands the program to include most low-level offenses, such as graffiti and public intoxication. This means that officers would have more discretion in deciding whether to cite or arrest someone. And while some business owners may not be thrilled about shoplifters getting off with just a ticket, supporters argue that it's about focusing resources on more serious crimes.

But wait, there's more! Supporters of Proposition A also want to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, making these practices a thing of the past. They're even proposing the creation of a new position called the Justice Director, who would serve as a full-time policy analyst for policing-related issues. This person would be required to submit reports ahead of key policy decisions and, interestingly, cannot be a former cop. It's all about bringing fresh perspectives to the table.

The Enforceability Question: To Be or Not to Be?

Now, I know what you're thinking – is any of this actually enforceable? Well, that's the million-dollar question. City Attorney Andy Segovia has expressed doubts