California Proposition 36 results

California voters are set to decide on Proposition 36, which aims to reverse some criminal justice reforms from Proposition 47 by increasing penalties for certain theft and drug possession crimes. If passed, it would reclassify some misdemeanors as felonies, mandate that individuals arrested for drug offenses enter treatment or face prison, and warn drug dealers of potential murder charges if their actions lead to death. Supporters argue that the measure addresses crime driven by drug addiction, while opponents warn it could lead to mass incarceration for minor offenses. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the measure could significantly increase the state prison population and state criminal justice costs by tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The impact on local jails is also projected to rise as some individuals may spend longer periods in county custody. This proposition arrives amid rising concerns over drug-related crimes and public safety in California.