(RightIsRight.co) – In a major blow to criminals in America, California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime measure that cracks down on serial thieves and fentanyl dealers.
This proposition allows prosecutors to charge any theft as a felony if the offender has two or more prior theft convictions, regardless of the value stolen.
This closes a major loophole that lets career criminals repeatedly commit “petty” thefts under $950 with minimal consequences.
The measure also imposes harsher punishments for fentanyl-related crimes, including mandatory prison time and potential murder charges for overdose deaths.
In turn, the initiative’s landslide victory reflects growing frustration with soft-on-crime policies that have fueled a surge in retail theft, burglaries, and drug dealing across the state.
Retail crime in California hit its highest level in two decades in 2023, yet the statewide clearance rate for thefts plummeted to just 8%.
“WE HAD INDIVIDUALS IN OUR CITY WHO WERE ARRESTED OR CITED OVER 15, 20, 25 TIMES IN A PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan (D-CA), highlighting the revolving door created by lenient laws.
Moreover, Proposition 36 rolls back parts of the disastrous Proposition 47, which reclassified many felonies as misdemeanors and tied the hands of law enforcement.
Notably, the measure passed despite fierce opposition from liberal Governor Gavin Newsom, signaling his waning influence as Californians reject failed progressive policies. Nearly 7.5 million voters backed Proposition 36, delivering a resounding mandate for change.
“The passage of Proposition 36 reflects Californians’ strong desire for safer communities and meaningful solutions to our state’s rising crime, drug addiction, and homelessness crises,” the Yes on Proposition 36 campaign commented.
While critics claimed the measure could increase incarceration rates, supporters argued it provides a balanced approach by introducing “treatment-mandated felonies.”
This innovative category allows judges to mandate drug treatment instead of prison for certain offenders, addressing addiction while still holding criminals accountable.
Proposition 36’s overwhelming approval shows Californians have had enough of unchecked crime and are ready to take their state back from repeat offenders and drug dealers who have exploited weak laws for too long.
As the initiative takes effect, citizens can look forward to safer neighborhoods and a renewed focus on protecting victims rather than coddling criminals.
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