TCDA Statement on the Passage of Proposition 36
In a resounding victory for stricter accountability in the criminal justice system, California voters passed Proposition 36, also known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, in last night’s pivotal election. This proposition makes significant changes to criminal punishments outlined in Proposition 47 (2014).
“The passage of Proposition 36 is a significant step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis of homelessness, holding those accountable who poison our friends, family, and neighbors with fentanyl, and closing the revolving door of retail theft for chronic offenders that has afflicted our businesses,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward.
“Where are we currently? In Tulare County, the number of petty thieves who have three or more prior criminal offenses is up 371% from before the implementation of Proposition 47. In addition, 82% of petty theft offenders already have a previous and open pending case trailing in court. This new law should send a message to these kinds of criminals in our county that my office will use every tool given to us to hold them accountable.”
“The 2022-2023 era of experimentation in reducing felonies to misdemeanors and decriminalizing some crimes all together raised serious concerns for the California District Attorneys Association and for me. I am proud to say that as the former President of CDAA during this time, I had a voice in crafting the Proposition 36 legislation. I am so impressed by the resolve of CDAA to protect victims, uphold the law, and put in the work to prove a case for the concept of accountability. Californians had to suffer as victims and witnesses to rampant crime because of the ramifications of Proposition 47. During that time, CDAA and my office worked tirelessly to keep the candle of justice lit in the window to right this ship with comprehensive legislation that will keep Californians safe and hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions. I want to thank the voters of this state for their ability to both act on an idea, but also to correct course if that idea is flawed. I am confident that although this may take some time to correct, our justice system will adapt quickly, and the future will hold less victims of crime instead of more.”
Proposition 36 will go into effect when the election is certified. Read the full law at https://tinyurl.com/ydnwef5d (CA Secretary of State).
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Communications Director Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494