In November, voters overwhelmingly passed California’s tough-on-crime measure, Prop 36. But they may never get to see the full results, thanks to a lack of state funding.
Prop 36 allows for more drug and theft crimes — particularly repeat offenses — to be prosecuted as felonies. It also allows judges to mandate drug treatment for some offenders. Felony cases are more costly to prosecute and drug treatment is expensive. Prop 36 is also expected to increase the state’s prison population.
Supporters of Prop 36 say an estimated $250 million to $400 million is needed to support the new law. But Governor Gavin Newsom, who opposed the measure, included no funding for it in his 2025-26 budget proposal. The Legislature’s version, which passed Friday, includes a one-time allocation of around $110 million — slightly better, but not enough.
Local officials have been speaking out publicly about the need to fund Prop 36. These officials include San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe; San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan; San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman; Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig; and Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
The measure had widespread support, not only from law enforcement leaders and district attorneys, but also city councils and county boards. Refusing to fund it isn’t just bad policy, supporters say. It would also thwart the will of nearly 70% of voters at a time when Newsom is accusing the president of being a threat to democracy.
Read more about Prop 36’s future and the fight for funding at the San Francisco Standard.