California prosecutors, sheriffs criticize Newsom budget funding for Prop. 36 | Butte County

Action News Now spoke with Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey on Friday. The California District Attorney’s Association, the Sheriff’s Association, and probation officers say that the $110 million that was allocated to Proposition 36 in Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget is not enough.

CHICO, Calif.  — California’s top law enforcement organizations are pushing back against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget, arguing it falls short of providing enough funding to fully implement Proposition 36, a voter-approved measure aimed at strengthening penalties for certain crimes while expanding court-ordered drug treatment.

In a strongly worded joint statement, the California District Attorneys Association, the California State Sheriffs’ Association and probation officers from across the state said the governor’s plan allocates $110 million for the initiative — an amount they say is insufficient to meet its treatment requirements.

Proposition 36 was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November. The measure increased penalties for some repeat theft and drug offenses and created a treatment-mandated framework for certain drug possession cases, requiring counties to offer substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration.

Among those signing onto the letter was Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, who spoke Friday while attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the county’s newly expanded jail facility.

“There’s not enough funding for it in terms of the treatment,” Ramsey said. “But I think of how well it passed and going out to the public with the message that we want this to be successful. Treatment is necessary for the success of Prop. 36.”

Ramsey and other critics argue that without adequate funding for treatment programs, counties will struggle to meet the law’s mandates, potentially undermining the intent of voters who supported a balance of accountability and rehabilitation.

Opponents of the governor’s proposed allocation say they plan to work with state lawmakers in the coming months to secure additional funding, emphasizing that voters clearly signaled their priorities at the ballot box.

They say ensuring Proposition 36 is properly funded is essential to addressing drug addiction, reducing repeat crime and maintaining public trust in the state’s justice system.