Proposition 36 would increase the charge for theft to a felony for someone with two prior convictions for theft. It would also let judges sentence some drug dealers to state prison rather than county jail and increase the consequences for a dealer whose sale of fentanyl kills or seriously injures the user.
Supporters argue that tougher criminal penalties are needed to curb theft and the rising use of fentanyl. Opponents say that it will lead to an increase in the state’s prison population and the associated costs.
Overall fundraising
Cumulative contributions
Biggest supporters
Walmart is the biggest supporter with $4 million in contributions. Other top donors include retailers such as Home Depot and Target with $1 million each and 7-Eleven and associated committees with more than $800,000. In-N-Out Burger contributed $500,000.
The measure has also received support from some district attorneys and law enforcement organizations.
This measure asks voters to change parts of Proposition 47, a controversial ballot initiative passed in 2014 that turned some nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors.
Biggest opposition
Criminal justice reform groups and human rights activists oppose the measure. Major criminal justice reform donors include Patty Quillin with $2.5 million, Stacy Schusterman with $1 million, Elizabeth Simons and husband Mark Heising with a combined $855,000 and Quinn Delaney with $225,000. Unions representing healthcare workers and teachers are also major contributors to the opposition.
Times politics reporter Anabel Sosa contributed to this report.
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