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Proposition 36
Drug and Theft Crime Penalties
California·2024·Initiative·Passed
Summary
Increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, reversing aspects of 2014's Proposition 47. The measure allows felony charges for repeat shoplifting and drug offenses, and requires treatment for certain drug convictions. It passed with roughly 69% of the vote.
Results
Yes68.7%
No31.3%
Arguments
For
Closes loopholes created by Proposition 47 that allowed repeat offenders to avoid meaningful consequences, giving prosecutors tools to address organized retail crime and open drug use.
Against
Critics argued it reverses a decade of criminal justice reform, will increase incarceration costs, and does not address the root causes of poverty and addiction.