OAN Staff James Myers
11:49am – Wednesday, November 6, 2024
California voters approved by a wide margin a ballot measure to make certain crimes more punishable, with the initiative receiving an astonishing 70.6% support with nearly 7.6 million votes counted.
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The outcome of Proposition 36 in the Golden State reflects a backlash against lighter penalties for shoplifting and drug-related crimes, and was passed despite criticism from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Proposition 36 would authorize felonies for possession of drugs, including fentanyl, and theft of less than $950 if the offender has two previous drug or theft convictions, according to an official summary of its provisions. be.
This earlier legislation created a new crime category called “mandatory-to-treat felonies,” which would allow people to have their drug convictions waived if they complete rehabilitation.
“Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete medical treatment may have their charges dismissed,” according to the bill's summary.
“Proposition 36 takes us back to the 1980s. Mass incarceration promotes promises that cannot be fulfilled,” Newsom said in his strong opposition to the bill.
Proponents of Prop. 36 argue that tougher crime laws are needed to maintain a better quality of life for taxpaying residents, citing the effects of rampant shoplifting. The company ran ads claiming that an increase in shoplifting was forcing many stores to lock down certain products and even close their doors. With robbery and price gouging.
Groups supporting the initiative also argued that by adopting mandatory treatment sentences similar to those in other states, it provides a balanced approach to drug users.
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