Proposition 36 now in effect, bolstering theft and drug charges in California
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Proposition 36, which increases penalties on certain theft and drug crimes, is now in effect across California.
It passed overwhelmingly on the November ballot, essentially reversing Proposition 47, which passed in 2014 and made some retail theft and drug crimes misdemeanors.
Now, repeat offenders will face felony charges.
"It was a loss to all these businesses around here; there was nothing we could do, so I'm glad it passed," said Roman Gonzalez, owner of DriponDrip at River Park.
Gonzalez knows firsthand how bad retail theft has become across the state.
Thieves targeted his business last November, busting the windows and stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise.
"It was a huge loss. They took all our clothes. There was not much we could do. To this day, the thieves have not been found," said Gonzalez.
Now, he is in a newer location across the same shopping center and hopeful that Prop. 36 will bolster enforcement.
Shoplifting is now a felony for repeat offenders, something a large majority of Californians wanted.
The measure passed with 68 percent of the vote.
"It's a big statement to say that people of all walks of life, both parties, backgrounds, people are tired of it," said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.
Smittcamp says the reversal of Proposition 47 is long overdue and will help businesses and customers alike.
Opponents, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have said it will disproportionately imprison poor people and those with substance use issues.
"It's time to have both criminals who are choosing to participate in theft and drug use; it's time to have some accountability under the law," said Smittcamp.
Businesses like DriponDrip hope this will make thieves think twice before stealing again.
"Hopefully, they get caught, and they end up getting prosecuted for the crime that they did," said Gonzalez.
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