Understanding Prop 36: How Sacramento is Strengthening Public Safety

Introduction

Crime and public safety have been major concerns for Sacramento businesses and residents. In response, voters passed Prop 36: The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, which introduces stricter penalties for repeat offenders of theft and drug crimes while providing new resources for law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations.

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office has launched an updated section on its website to educate the public on these legal changes and how they impact retail theft, drug laws, and community safety.

What is Prop 36?

Enacted by voters, Prop 36 is designed to reduce homelessness, drug addiction, and retail theft by closing loopholes in existing laws. The key provisions include:

📌 Harsher Penalties for Repeat Theft Offenders – Individuals with two or more prior convictions for theft-related crimes (such as shoplifting, burglary, or robbery) will now face felony charges instead of misdemeanors.

📌 Stricter Drug Laws – Those caught in possession of hard drugs (fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine) will face felony charges if they have two prior drug-related convictions.

📌 Increased Law Enforcement Authority – Officers are now required to check an offender’s criminal history to determine if the crime qualifies as a felony under the new law.

📌 Fentanyl Crackdown & SACFORCE Task Force – The DA’s office has formed SACFORCE, a special law enforcement unit focused on investigating fentanyl-related overdose deaths and prosecuting drug suppliers. If a dealer’s drugs lead to a fatal overdose, they can now be charged with murder.

New Resources from the Sacramento DA’s Office

To support these legal changes, the Sacramento County DA’s Office has expanded its website with valuable resources for businesses, law enforcement, and the community.

1. Retail Theft Resources for Business Owners

Retail theft has skyrocketed in California, affecting small businesses, large retailers, and local economies. The Sacramento DA’s Office now offers:

🔹 Retail Theft Reporting Tools – Business owners can report shoplifting incidents, theft rings, and repeat offenders to law enforcement agencies.
🔹 Retail Theft Initiative Window Clings – Businesses can request free deterrent window clings to signal participation in a citywide anti-theft program.
🔹 Collaboration with Local Police – Law enforcement agencies, including the Sacramento Police Department, Citrus Heights PD, and Rancho Cordova PD, are working together to track repeat offenders and reduce organized retail crime.

📌 How to Request a Window Cling: Business owners can fill out a request form on the DA’s website or email communityrelations@sacda.org.

2. Fentanyl & Drug Law Changes

Fentanyl-related deaths have increased dramatically in Sacramento, and Prop 36 introduces harsher penalties for trafficking and distribution.

🔹 New Felony Charge for Hard Drug Possession – If an offender has two or more prior drug-related convictions, simple possession of drugs like fentanyl or heroin is now a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
🔹 State Prison Sentences for Large-Scale Trafficking – High-volume fentanyl traffickers must be sentenced to state prison rather than county jail.
🔹 Murder Charges for Dealers Whose Drugs Cause Deaths – Drug dealers can now be charged with homicide (up to second-degree murder) if their product results in a fatal overdose.

SACFORCE: Sacramento’s New Fentanyl Task Force
The DA’s Office has launched SACFORCE, a special unit dedicated to investigating fentanyl deaths and prosecuting dealers who knowingly distribute lethal substances.

📌 Learn more about fentanyl laws and SACFORCE here: OnePillCanKillSac.org

3. The CARE Act Court: Mental Health & Drug Treatment Diversion

Prop 36 introduces The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, a special court process designed to help individuals with severe mental illnesses receive treatment instead of incarceration.

🔹 Who qualifies? Individuals with untreated schizophrenia or psychotic disorders who are at risk of homelessness, incarceration, or conservatorship.
🔹 How does it work? The court orders a CARE Plan, which includes mental health treatment, medication, and housing support for up to 12 months.
🔹 Goal: Prevent individuals with severe mental health conditions from cycling through the criminal justice system without proper care.

Final Thoughts: How This Impacts Sacramento

With Prop 36 now in effect, Sacramento is taking a stronger stance against repeat offenders while also offering treatment options for those struggling with addiction and mental health.

💡 Stay informed and get involved! Visit the Sacramento DA’s Office website for resources, tools, and updates on Prop 36’s impact.