City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: RESOULTION TO SUPPORT BALLOT INITIATIVE PROPOSITION 36 - THE HOMELESSNESS, DRUG ADDICTION, AND THEFT REDUCTION ACT ISSUE:
Adopt a resolution supporting Proposition 36 – The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act which, if passed, would make targeted reforms to Proposition 47 passed in 2014.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a resolution supporting ballot measure Proposition 36 - The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.
BACKGROUND:
On August 6, 2024, City Council received an overview of Proposition 36 - The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act and directed staff to draft a resolution in support of ballot measure Proposition 36 – The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.
DISCUSSION:
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 (Prop. 47) among other things, classified certain crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Although Prop. 47 achieved notable success in making California’s criminal justice system more equitable, it led to unintended consequences over the past decade including repeat and often organized retail theft, inner-city store closings, and difficulty convincing people to seek drug and mental health treatment.
Proposition 36 (Prop. 36) – The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, seeks to make targeted reforms to Prop. 47.
Prop. 36 will hold repeat offenders accountable for the safety of our communities. The measure will define fentanyl as a hard drug, hold individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl accountable, and grant judges greater discretion in sentencing drug traffickers. Additionally, Prop. 36 will provide critical mental health, drug treatment services, and job training within our justice system for people who are homeless and suffering from mental illness or struggling with substance abuse.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority 2 – Community Well-Being, Goal No. 2.4. Support programs and innovations that enhance community safety, encourage neighborhood engagement, and build public trust.
This item aligns with the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – This item promotes a safe environment and is based on sound policy that will serve the public interest, benefit the City’s diverse populations, and result in greater public safety.
Equity – This item promotes the equitable distribution of public safety services.
Fiscal Responsibility – There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
Innovation – This item addresses the community’s changing needs and allows for collaborative partnerships and adaptive processes.
Sustainability & Resiliency This item allows our local law enforcement to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future and ensures the City’s capacity to adapt and grow.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Prepared by: Chekesha Gilliam, Intergovernmental Relations Officer Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney Attachment: Resolution support Proposition 36