BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County District Attorney’s Office reflected on Proposition 36, after it went into effect exactly one year ago.
The proposition focused on drug and theft crime penalties and mandates treatment for certain felonies. The measure also addresses drug abuse and homelessness by increasing penalties for drug crime offenders while expanding state-mandated treatment options.
The DA’s Office said in a social media post, “For far too long, we watched local businesses targeted by persistent theft and saw our communities harmed by unchecked drug use. Californians demanded change and Proposition 36 is helping deliver it.”
The DA’s office said 626 theft-related cases and 1,151 drug-related cases were filed in one year.
“Prop 36 also gives non-violent drug offenders a choice to enter treatment, said Joseph Kinzel, Kern County Assistant District Attorney. “The program has strict requirements, judicial oversight, and genuine rewards for success and penalties for failures and non-compliance.”
The Kern County DA’s Office said 164 people have been referred to Proposition 36 Treatment Court. Eight people have successfully graduated from the program, with other set to graduate.
Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmerman said, “In only one year, Prop 36 has made a remarkable difference. But we’re just getting started and Californians will continue to reap the benefits of Prop 36 for years to come.”