SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 16, 2024) – The Yes on Proposition 36 campaign issued a statement in response to the passage of a package of retail theft bills. Leadership also shelved the strongest legislative bill Assembly Bill 1960 (Rivas) which would have been very helpful in dealing with smash-and-grab crimes. They also shelved another measure Assembly Bill 1794 (McCarty) that dealt with aggregation.
“State leaders have had years to address California’s crime and drug crises, yet little has been done to tackle the root causes. These newly passed legislative bills are half measures, failing to address the fundamental issues of habitual repeat theft, the fentanyl epidemic, and the ongoing homelessness crisis, which remains unaddressed due to the lack of strong incentives for drug treatment.
Proposition 36 is the comprehensive and compassionate solution California needs. It directly tackles these challenges with strong incentives for drug treatment, which will reduce homelessness and provide our communities and small businesses with the accountability and consequences necessary to curb repeat offenders. This is why Proposition 36 has strong bipartisan support—it is the real change California needs.”
Today, a new poll was released by the Los Angeles Times//UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies showed wide support with a greater than two to one margin, 56% to 23%. Of the support, Proposition 36 was supported by moderates at 66%, conservative voters at 69-70%, and somewhat liberal voters support Prop 36 at 49%.
Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act 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 drive up costs for all Californians and chase retailers out of the state.
- Bring back strong incentives 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 have no incentive to choose treatment.
For more information, please visit VoteYesProp36.com.
