The Sacramento region’s momentum to enact a voter-approved referendum — which increased consequences for repeat thieves and instated a treatment option for those convicted of drug charges — escalated this month as counties vie for limited state funds and confront complications to ensure the new law becomes a reality.
Californians overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 last year, which created a felony charge for a person accused of stealing for a third time, hiked prison terms for some theft or property damage and created a new drug court process for those convicted of drug charges for a third time, according to the state’s Legislative Analyst Office.
Prosecutors may choose to charge a “treatment-mandated felony” for a person with illicit narcotics if they have two or more past convictions for drug-related offenses. Local counties are attempting to create funding streams for this new treatment program and applying for a grant under the Board of State and Community Corrections. Applications are due June 23 and funds will distributed Oct. 1…