Campaigns

VOTE NO ON PROP 36

Proposition 36: A Misguided Approach to addressing California’s Challenges

 

Contrary to its proponents’ claims, Proposition 36 is not the solution to California’s surge in theft and drug-related crimes. Instead, it represents a regressive attempt by corporate interests and the prison industry to exploit Californians’ concerns, further criminalizing addiction, homelessness, and mental health issues.

This measure would undermine community services providing essential treatment and support for addiction, mental health, and crime survivors. It would revive an era of mass incarceration, contradicting California’s progress in balancing public safety with compassionate reintegration.

The truth about Proposition 36 is alarming:

•It introduces draconian laws, including charging accentual overdoses as first-degree murder.

•It allows prosecutors to escalate misdemeanor thefts into felonies potentially leading to life sentences under California’s flawed Three Strikes Law.

Such measures will only:

•Increase prison time for those who use drugs-even though this does not deter drug use

•Add mandatory sentence enhancements for damage during a felony, regardless of value or intent

•Add fentanyl to the list of mandatory sentence enhancements for drug sale or possession, which could mean an additional 3-25 years on someone’s prison sentence
 

Source: Elle Baker Center

 

Proposition 36 is not a smart solution for California. It will defund community services and roll back progress. We urge Californians to vote no on Proposition 36.