© AP
The outcome of the state's Proposition 36 reflected a backlash to light penalties for shoplifting and drug-related crimes — and it passed despite opposition from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Prop 36 authorizes felony charges for possession of drugs including fentanyl and for thefts under $950 if the offender has two prior drug or theft convictions, according to the official summary of its provisions.
The nascent law creates a new category of crime called "treatment-mandated felony" that allows a person to have their drug conviction set aside if they complete rehab.
"Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed," according to the measure's summary.
Newsom strongly opposed the measure, saying that "Prop 36 takes us back to the 1980s, mass incarceration — it promotes a promise that can't be delivered."
"Yes on Prop 36" advocates argued the tougher hand was necessary to preserve quality of life for residents, running ads noting the impact of shoplifting, which forced stores to inconvenience ordinary shoppers by locking up items and raising prices.
The group behind the initiative also argued it offered a balanced approach to drug users by adopting treatment-mandated sentences similar to what exists in other states.
The measure's victory was projected by major news outlets with roughly 56.6% of ballots counted.
Reader Comments
Not a good idea as the % of relapse is high. It will be starting all over again with a clean slate.
What has happened? California is a captured state with machine run politics. Shifty Schiff was voted into the Senate. Newsom's recall failed. The cities are filled with immigrants and homeless living in the streets. Crime goes unpunished. Fentanyl makes the homeless essentially zombies. "Wildfires" that are not natural have incinerated the wine country and cities like Paradise. Hollywood's Diddy tapes reveal the cesspool of the rich and famous.
If you are a company with headquarters here, you will be looking for a new location like Texas. Once Hollywood, Big Tech and the Wine country are gone, California will probably sink into the ocean.