california suggestion 47A milestone in criminal justice reform is under threat. The proposed Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act aims to undo key aspects of Prop. 47, a reversal that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation.
propsposition 47 A law was passed in 2014 that revised penalties for nonviolent, low-level drug and property crimes. Before the reform, prosecutors wider discretion Treating some property crimes as felonies or misdemeanors. The new law makes shoplifting less than $950 a misdemeanor and eases some penalties for other property and drug crimes. It also applied retroactively, allowing incarcerated individuals to petition for release or commutation of their sentences.
Proposition 47 worked immediately. In the first year, reduced the state prison population The Legislative Analysis Service estimates an increase of 4,700 people.Reform has saved California over the past decade. Over $800 million.
Notably, Proposition 47 requires: 65% of the money saved goes towards treatment costs A service aimed at keeping people out of prison. From 2017 Measures until 2023 Serves over 53,000 defendants Services include mental health and drug treatment, as well as housing, job training, diversion, and legal assistance. These strong reinvestments span 16 counties, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, and Santa Clara. Recidivism rates for people who completed the Proposition 47 reentry program decreased dramatically (compared to 15% Other statewide rates are typically 35% to 45%).
Proposition 47 also resulted in fewer felony drug arrests. initial research It was found to have helped reduce racial disparities in arrest rates for drug charges, with decreases of approximately 76%, 66%, and 74% for white, black, and Latino Californians.
But despite a decade of success, misinformation abounds. This bill is sponsored by the Californians for Safer Communities Coalition and is primarily funded by: Retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, and Targetthe new law aims to increase penalties for drug dealers. “Felony with duty to treat” crime He has two previous convictions for drug possession. Offenders will be given the option to receive drug and mental health treatment in lieu of incarceration, but what kind of programs will they participate in, and will there be room for new admissions? It is not clear whether It also proposes that repeat theft offenders be charged with a felony.
The coalition announced last month that it had raised the money. 900,000 The signatures are more than enough to put the change before voters on the November ballot. Supporters argue that Prop. 47 has increased property theft, overdoses and homelessness. Sentiment on the issue is strong following several high-profile retail crimes in California. But the evidence is stronger.
As a public health researcher, I know that the type of involuntary treatment this law proposes can perpetuate homelessness. Increased risk of overdose.involuntary intervention more harmful than self-medication. And not all treatment services are created equal. Medically Assisted Treatment for Opioid Disorders Unlike detox or counseling-only strategies, it is proven to be effective.
The problem is that California doesn’t have enough voluntary, research-backed drug treatment services. Especially since success depends on continued participation. There will be shortages in the program and people will be left waiting for long periods of time. But forcing people into treatment, especially without expanding the availability of needed services, is dangerous and inhumane.
Additionally, felonies often lead to homelessness. In the past, punitive measures have been taken, including: Zero tolerance policy Rising rates of incarceration and homelessness are creating significant economic and social burdens. Research conducted at the University of California, San Francisco This suggests that institutionalization often occurs before becoming homeless. One in five participants in a statewide study became homeless directly from a facility (prison or jail) with few preventive services available.
And a felony conviction creates barriers to housing and employment. California Fair Employment and Housing Act Protections for people with criminal records are limited, and incarceration often leads to unemployment, homelessness, and broken relationships.
Certainly, Proposition 47 can and should be updated with a focus on humanitarian policy. Evidence points to a Housing First approach that focuses on individual housing, regardless of mental health, justice or other needs, and shows that: promote economic stability. Prop. 47 could make long-term investments in restorative justice approaches, such as reentry transition services and expanded access to society for individuals after incarceration. Medically assisted treatment For substance use. States could also direct more funds toward poverty reduction measures, such as: permanent supportive housing Known to reduce the root causes of crime and theft.
However, the proposed Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act would not expand these resources. Instead, California’s incarceration rate will rise again.flat state prosecutor The government has opposed the measure on the grounds that it would be a return to failed policies.
For a ballot initiative to move forward, county and state officials must vet supporting signatures to ensure they come from registered California voters. If that happens, California should reject this proposal and stand up to its voters in this fear-based, evidence-free approach. Rejects another attempt to weaken the propposition 47 people in 2020. Otherwise, prisons will become even more crowded; impose a heavy burden on taxpayers. We are at risk of losing another generation to the effects of incarceration, which we are finally beginning to address.
Megan Morris is an associate professor of epidemiology and public voice fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. editorial project. The views in this work are her own.
