Prop 36 and its effects on our community

With new presidential election results coming in from the 2024 election, new propositions and local government results have also come in. Not only did voters vote for presidential candidates but also propositions regarding their state and those in power for their local government. During this 2024 election, California voters voted on 10 propositions. These propositions ranged from all sorts of topics such as rent control, Proposition 33, to minimum wage, Proposition 32. 

One of the most discussed and voted on propositions on this year's ballot was California’s Proposition 36. Proposition 36, also known as Prop 36, is a proposition fighting for the increase of penalties and incarceration sentences for theft and drug crimes. This proposition would reclassify and declare prior misdemeanors as felonies instead.

Prop 36 is a direct attempt to dismantle California’s other proposition, Proposition 47. Proposition 47 focuses on incarcerating those who have committed more serious and lethal crimes. It advocates for those who have committed misdemeanors relating to drugs seek support and are put into support programs instead of prison. Supporters of Prop 36 believe that by passing this proposition, it would help fight against homelessness, which has increased 50% since Prop 47 was passed in 2014. They also believe that it helps solve any loopholes and confusion that Prop 47 might have brought to California law. 

One way that this affects California residents is by affecting where their tax paying dollars goes to. With an increase in incarcerated people, jails and prisons require more money in order to accommodate them. Meaning that there will be more money from the government and from taxpayers going to jails and prisons instead of things that would benefit them more, such as schools and parks. There is an estimated 5 million dollar increase in taxpayer dollars going into jails and prisons. 

Another way that this affects California residents is how it affects racial disparities and the marginalized communities of California. In 2022, it was reported that 25.4% of arrests were drug related and most of those who have been caught and incarcerated for these offenses are primarily people of color. The proposition would harm these marginalized communities of people of color because it causes easier incarceration for simple, petty offenses. 

Prop 36 was voted yes by 68.5 of voters, meaning by this time next year it will be put into place.