“Proposition 36 provides a tempered answer that voters should back on the Nov. 5 ballot. It’s a much-needed adjustment of Proposition 47, the well-intentioned criminal justice reform measure state voters passed in 2014.”

“But contrary to critics’ claims, this is not a reactionary return to the days of mass incarceration. While Prop. 36 would increase punishments for some theft and drug crimes, it would also create incentives for addicts to seek drug treatment.”

“We support the goals of lowering the state prison population and reducing recidivism. But societal problems have worsened since Prop. 47’s passage.”

“The state’s retail theft rate has surged since 2021 and is now higher than when Prop. 47 passed, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Shoplifting is at its highest level since 2000. These parallel trends are not surprising given that homelessness is highly correlated to mental health problems and drug addiction, often leading to theft to support a habit. Unfortunately, Prop. 47 made it harder to force addicts to seek treatment.”

“Without the threat of felony punishment, judges lost leverage to convince addicts who are serial offenders to complete mental health and drug treatment programs in exchange for dismissal of the charges.”