Sacramento, CA –Today, the Californians for Safer Communities Coalition announced that it will submit over 900,000 voter signatures to qualify the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (Initiative 23-0017A1) to qualify for the November General Election ballot. Small business owners, fentanyl victims, social justice leaders, community organizations, and elected officials held press conferences across the state to announce the signature turn-in. To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures.

The bipartisan measure is focused on improving safety in every community and neighborhood in California. It focuses narrowly on accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like fentanyl while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects addicts toward treatment rather than incarceration.

Passed in 2014, Prop 47 achieved notable success in making California’s criminal justice system more equitable. However, it led to unintended consequences over the past decade — repeat and often organized retail theft, inner-city store closings, and difficulty convincing people to seek drug and mental health treatment — that can only be corrected by the voters at the ballot box with commonsense changes to Prop 47. It is time for meaningful reforms to our justice system, including to Prop 47, that ensure our communities are safe.

“We cannot be afraid to challenge the status quo when it is clearly not working for our residents. Prop 47 was well-intended but what really matters is its impact — and unfortunately, it’s hurting far too many families and small businesses across the state. We need reform that doesn’t take us back to the era of mass incarceration but allows judges to mandate treatment for those struggling with severe addiction, hold repeat offenders accountable, and treat fentanyl like the killer it is.”- San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan

“Today, I stand with the National Action Network to address a cry for change that echoes through the 900,000 voters who signed the petition. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is our path toward not just restoring order but restoring hope and dignity to those caught in the cycle of crime. In supporting this initiative, we are fighting for a future where every Californian can live in a community that is safe, just, and ripe with opportunity.”- Reverend Jonathan Mosely, National Action Network, Los Angeles

“In the wake of losing my son Zach to a fake pill made of illicit fentanyl, I’ve dedicated my life to advocacy and education about the dangers of fentanyl. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is a beacon of hope for families like mine, offering a crucial blend of effective rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction and stringent accountability for traffickers in hopes of preventing further loss of life from fentanyl poisoning and overdose. This measure can save lives by addressing the heart of the fentanyl crisis and preventing such tragedies from shattering more families.” – Chris Didier, Executive Board Member, Victims of Illicit Drugs, Sacramento

“Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-35. Every week, we lose approximately 110 lives to this poison. It’s a number that we can—and must—reduce. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction & Theft Reduction Act is a crucial step forward in addressing this crisis. It is imperative that we provide support and treatment for those struggling with addiction. This measure will prioritize treatment over punishment and hold traffickers accountable for the harm they cause. By passing this act, we send a clear message: California means business when it comes to tackling the fentanyl crisis.” – Pamela Smith, Founder of Mothers in Grief Support Group, Fresno

The proposed ballot measure will:

• Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable, for the safety and health of our communities.
• Create accountability for repeat smash-and-grab offenders who are driving up costs for all Californians and chasing retailers out of the state.
• Bring back incentives and accountability that are needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs — helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use currently have no incentive to choose treatment with no consequences.

For more information, go to www.CASafeCommunities.com.