SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom’s May budget revision proposes zero dollars for Proposition 36. Assembly Republicans held a press conference today demanding that change.
Prop. 36 passed with nearly 70 percent of the vote and in all 58 counties. It replaced incarceration with mandatory treatment for nonviolent drug offenders. Without funding for mental health and substance abuse programs, the law cannot be enforced. The promise of reform is dead on arrival.
“The governor is ignoring the will of the voters,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (East Nicolaus). “Californians demanded accountability. Newsom delivered nothing.”
Lawmakers were joined by district attorneys, law enforcement officials, and victim advocates who warned that Prop. 36 is meaningless unless the state invests in treatment infrastructure.
“We are asking the Governor to honor the will of the people and fully fund treatment under Prop 36,” said Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig.
“We need to fund Prop 36 immediately because we don’t need more victims,” added Alexa Hansen, Founder of Victim Advocate Angels.
Assembly Republicans will keep fighting to deliver what Newsom won’t: real reform, real treatment, and real public safety. The first step is exposing this broken promise
Previous
- Nov 2024 – State Election and Ballot Proposition Results: Prop 36 passed with 68.42% of voter support.
Under Prop 36: passed by voters, it significantly increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking, especially large-scale operations, and imposes stricter sentences for drug dealing involving firearms
- Allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs and for thefts under $950—both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed.
- Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes.
- Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program.
- Note – via Riverside County District Attorney: PROP 36 – Understanding the New California Laws on Drug and Theft Offenses
