Why can't California Proposition 17 be passed via the legislative process and thus needs a ballot measure?

Question

I'm researching CA-Prop 17 which allows for parolees to vote.
I ask of every ballot measure that I vote on: Why can't this law be passed via the normal legislative processes? Why does it require a ballot measure?
I find plenty of moral arguments for the law, but I'm having a hard time tracking down a reasonable legal justification for it being a ballot measure and not following the standard legislative processes.

Joe C · Accepted Answer

Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution of California currently does not allow parolees to vote:

The Legislature shall prohibit improper practices that affect elections and shall provide for the disqualification of electors while mentally incompetent or imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony.

Giving parolees the right to vote would require an amendment to the constitution, which requires a ballot initiative.

Why can't California Proposition 17 be passed via the legislative process and thus needs a ballot measure?

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