California Prop 36 passed by voters

(KRON) -- California voters approved Prop 36 this election, weighing successful connected a measurement aimed astatine reversing definite transgression policies nether the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.”

In elemental terms, Prop 36 seeks to reclassify definite crimes for stricter penalties. For instance, the proposition would marque possessing fentanyl on with a firearm a felony. Additionally, offenders convicted nether Prop 36 would beryllium required to service their afloat condemnation successful authorities prison, careless of anterior transgression history. Sentencing could besides beryllium extended based connected the quantity of drugs progressive successful the offense.

Prop 36 besides focuses connected theft crimes. 

Currently, thefts involving items valued nether $950 are often charged arsenic misdemeanors. However, Prop 36 would reclassify these thefts arsenic felonies for those with 2 oregon much anterior theft-related convictions, with sentences of up to 3 years depending connected the individual’s transgression record.

The measurement sparked debate, with salient leaders taking opposing sides. San Francisco Mayor London Breed voiced enactment saying, “(Prop 36) volition marque targeted but impactful changes to our laws astir fentanyl and assistance america tackle the chronic retail theft that hurts our retailers, our workers, and our cities.” On the different hand, California Gov. Gavin Newsom opposed the measure, arguing, “Prop. 36 takes america backmost to the 1980s, wide incarceration. It promotes a committedness that can’t beryllium delivered.”

As of predetermination night, Prop 36 is projected by to pass, though further ballot counts volition proceed to rotation successful implicit the adjacent respective days. The Department of Elections has until Dec. 3 to finalize results, making them official.