Title
Supervisor Turnboo recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 122-2024 supporting the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act”.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Prop 47 reclassified certain crimes, like illegal drug possession and nonviolent theft of less than $950, as misdemeanors, rather than felonies as they had previously been categorized. Since its passage, California has experienced increases in drug addiction, mental illness, and property crimes, reversing the decades long statewide trend of decreasing crime.
According to a study conducted by the National Retail Federation (NDF), there was $112 billion dollars in lost merchandise and theft in 2023. Law enforcement officials and others have blamed Prop 47 for massive increases in crime by allowing repeat offenders to continue breaking the law with little consequence. With the acknowledgement of Prop 47's unintended consequences throughout the State, California Democrat and Republican parties have worked on legislation to revise It.
Such legislation, however, would bypass California voters and according to many, would not create the meaningful revisions needed to reverse the trend of rising recidivism, homelessness, and drug addiction. The proposed HOMELESSNESS, DRUG ADDICTION, AND THEFT REDUCTION ACT ballot initiative would amend Prop 47 by holding repeat offenders accountable, thus improving community safety.
According to the summary provided for inclusion on signature petition sheets, the proposed ballot measure will:
• Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable for the safety and health of our communities, no longer allowing them to escape consequences.
• Allow felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950.
• Create accountability for repeat smash and grab offenders who are costing all Californians more and chasing retailers out of the state.
• Bring back incentives and accountability that are needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs, helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use currently have no incentive to choose treatment. The proposed measure increases sentences for fentanyl and other specified drug and theft crimes but allows those who plead guilty to felony drug possession to complete drug treatment and have the charges dismissed.
The measure has gathered over 900,000 signatures and has qualified for the November ballot. With the adoption of this resolution El Dorado County becomes one of the first Counties in California to officially support the proposed ballot measure and joins a growing number of jurisdictions across California who believe this measure would make communities, businesses, and streets safer by restoring the rule of law, holding repeat retail thieves and fentanyl dealers more accountable, and incentivizing individuals who are addicted and homeless to accept life-saving treatment.
ALTERNATIVES
Voters remain unsure if this voter-led initiative to be added to the November 5, 2024, voting ballot is supported by the Board of Supervisors of the County of El Dorado.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtaining the Chair's signature
CONTACT
Mark Treat (x5651)