{"id":2364783,"date":"2024-11-06T01:00:09","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T06:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/california-voters-pass-ballot-measure-to-strengthen-penalties-for-retail-theft-and-drug-crimes-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-11-06T01:02:32","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T06:02:32","slug":"california-voters-pass-ballot-measure-to-strengthen-penalties-for-retail-theft-and-drug-crimes-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/california-voters-pass-ballot-measure-to-strengthen-penalties-for-retail-theft-and-drug-crimes-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"California voters pass ballot measure to strengthen penalties for retail theft and drug crimes &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">34<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcalifornia-voters-pass-ballot-measure-to-strengthen-penalties-for-retail-theft-and-drug-crimes-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2364783&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>California voters have passed Proposition \u200c36, a new ballot measure aimed at \u2062increasing penalties for repeated\u2063 offenders of retail\u200b theft and drug-related crimes, particularly those involving hard drugs like fentanyl. The proposition allows judges to mandate rehabilitation for individuals with multiple drug offenses and reverses some aspects of the 2014 Proposition 47, which had led\u200d to \u2063a decrease in \u2063penalties for theft under $950. \u2062 <\/p>\n<p>Supporters, including \u200cmajor retailers,\u200c argue that the measure is necessary to close loopholes that have enabled shoplifting and drug dealing to proliferate, resulting in alarming rates of retail theft that have driven up prices and forced some stores to shut down. Proposition 36 specifically increases consequences for &#8220;smash-and-grab&#8221; crimes \u200dand establishes harsher penalties for individuals with prior\u200d theft convictions.<\/p>\n<p>Opponents, including state leaders and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/haiti-descends-into-chaos-as-our-borders-remain-wide-open\/\" title=\"Haiti in Chaos, Borders Wide Open\">human \u200brights activists<\/a>, contend that Proposition 36 may exacerbate issues by increasing costs to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/president-trump-please-pardon-jon-woods-a-victim-of-process-crimes-like-michael-flynn\/\" title=\"President Trump, Please Pardon Jon Woods, a Victim of Process Crimes Like Michael Flynn\">criminal justice system<\/a> and disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. They argue the measure is flawed and may not effectively target the key offenders behind crime rates. Nevertheless, many voters expressed frustration with rising crime and felt a\u2063 need for change, leading to the proposition&#8217;s overwhelming approval at the polls. \u2063 <\/p>\n<p>Proposition 36 reflects deep divisions on\u2062 how\u2064 best to address retail theft and\u200d drug issues in California, with both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/shocking-new-legal-motion-threatens-the-release-of-transgender-nashville-shooters-manifesto\/\" title=\"New legal motion endangers release of Nashville shooter&#039;s transgender manifesto.\">sides presenting compelling arguments<\/a> about the\u200d implications \u200bof the law for public safety, criminal justice costs, and community welfare.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">California voters pass ballot measure to strengthen penalties for retail theft and drug crimes<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1780092\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/california\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Californians\">Californians<\/a> on Tuesday overwhelmingly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/section\/news\/campaigns\/state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"voted\">voted<\/a> for <a href=\"https:\/\/voterguide.sos.ca.gov\/propositions\/36\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Proposition 36\">Proposition 36<\/a>, a ballot measure that strengthens penalties for&nbsp;people who have repeatedly been convicted of shoplifting or caught using and dealing hard drugs like fentanyl, a synthetic opioid.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The measure also gives judges the authority to order people with multiple drug charges into rehab and undoes some&nbsp;of the changes the state made 10 years ago through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/3186425\/california-critics-slam-harris-failing-weigh-in-prop-47\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Proposition 47\">Proposition 47<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jawad Ursani, 7-Eleven franchise owner, center at podium, is joined by 7-Eleven leadership and franchisees presenting a $1 million check for the Yes on Prop 36 campaign outside the 7-Eleven that was robbed by about 50 juveniles in late September in Los Angeles at a news conference Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.&nbsp;(AP Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Supporters of Proposition 36, which include major players in the retail industry like Walmart and Home Depot, argued that tougher consequences were the only way to close existing loopholes that have made it easier for shoplifters and drug pushers to skirt the law.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/live-blog\/2024-election-campaign-live-updates-harris-trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>2024 ELECTIONS LATEST NEWS: CAMPAIGN UPDATES, POLLS, AND LIVE RESULTS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There has been an explosion in retail theft across the state that has caused stores to raise prices, lock up items, and in multiple cases, close up shop. Proposition 36 increases penalties for smash-and-grab crimes when three or more people act together to commit theft. It also allows prosecutors to file felony charges if someone caught has two or more prior theft convictions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;California needs Prop. 36&rsquo;s tougher laws against smash-and-grab thefts so we can keep small businesses open in every community,&rdquo; Robert Rivinius, executive&nbsp;director of the Family Business Association of California, said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Opponents, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/gavin-newsom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Gov. Gavin Newsom\">Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA), Democratic state leaders, and some human rights groups, argued that Proposition 36 is too expensive, offers false hope, and isn&rsquo;t a real fix.<\/p>\n<p>According to the state Legislative Analyst&rsquo;s Office, the ballot measure would <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">increase state criminal justice costs &#038;ldquo<\/a>;likely ranging from several tens of millions of dollars to the low hundreds of millions of dollars each year.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Critics also claimed it would disproportionately imprison poor people and those with substance abuse issues rather than target ringleaders who take advantage of disenfranchised groups and hire them to steal goods or sell drugs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This is a one-size-fits-all prison-first approach,&rdquo; Diana Becton, district attorney of Contra Costa County said. &ldquo;It will lock up people who are not a danger, slash desperately needed money from proven crime prevention and treatment programs, and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions more on prisons.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Critics also called it &ldquo;a gross overreach that brings back 1980s &lsquo;drug war&rsquo; style tactics that packed our state prisons with people convicted of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/maryland-governor-pardons-175000-marijuana-convictions-in-sweeping-order\/\" title=\"Maryland governor issues sweeping pardon for 175,000 marijuana convictions\">low-level drug offenses<\/a>, harming public safety, and damaging families and communities.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>But the vast majority of voters said they were fed up with crime and drugs and need a change.<\/p>\n<p>California has suffered for a decade following the passage of Proposition 47, a referendum that critics claim effectively gave shoplifters and drug addicts the green light to commit crimes and steal merchandise as long as what they took was less than $950 in value. The decision to downgrade theft of property valued below the arbitrary figure from felony to misdemeanor, together with selective enforcement that focused on more serious crimes, resulted in a chaotic and lawless landmine that has ripped apart families, hurt businesses, and clobbered tourism.<\/p>\n<p>Proposition 47 has been widely viewed as a complete catastrophe. It was supported by the state Democratic Party, championed by the American Civil Liberties Union, and passed by a wide margin in 2014. Offenders who repeatedly stole goods were usually given a slap on the wrist, in most cases, a ticket. They almost always avoided jail time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;There was no incentive to get clean,&rdquo; said Tom Wolf, a married father of two who went from a good-paying job with the city to becoming addicted to drugs, homeless, and almost losing his life. Wolf told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that the best thing that happened to him was finally being sent to jail for three months. He was forced to get clean and given an opportunity to enter a drug treatment facility, which he took.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two people on the streets of San Francisco do drugs openly, Oct. 30, 2024. (Barnini Chakraborty\/Washington Examiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Wolf, who strongly backed Proposition 36, said stiffer penalties force accountability and go toward ending the loop of being arrested and released back on the street just a few hours later. Wolf was arrested six times before he saw more than a day or two of jail time.<\/p>\n<p>Under Proposition 36, a new&nbsp;treatment-focused court will also be created that processes some drug possession crimes. <\/p>\n<p>People with two or more prior convictions for drug-related offenses have the option of going to drug court and participating in and completing drug and mental health treatment instead of county jail. Those who successfully complete their treatment can have their charge fully expunged.<\/p>\n<p>The court will be required to warn people convicted of selling or providing illegal drugs to others that they can be charged with murder if they keep selling drugs and the person they sell the drugs to overdoses and dies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtoexaminer.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\" \"> <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The prevalence of fentanyl has had deadly consequences in the state, particularly in San Francisco.&nbsp;Last year surpassed 2020 as the deadliest on record for overdose deaths in the city, and 2024 is shaping up to be just as bad.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The state&rsquo;s rise in&nbsp;drug addiction and mental illness has also fueled its homelessness crisis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1780092\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1780092\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>California voters approve Proposition 36 to toughen penalties for repeat shoplifters and drug offenders<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2646,"featured_media":2364784,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AP24274681603958.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[32912,4045,44449,33465,4223],"class_list":["post-2364783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-ballot-measure","tag-california","tag-drug-crimes","tag-retail-theft","tag-voters"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AP24274681603958.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2364783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2646"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2364783"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2364783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2364787,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2364783\/revisions\/2364787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2364784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2364783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2364783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2364783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}