City Council considers support for anti-crime Proposition 36 on November ballot – Pasadena Now

With the November election just under two weeks away, the Pasadena City Council will consider supporting Proposition 36, a measure to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes that will appear on the state’s general election ballot on Nov. 5 becomes.

The election is scheduled for November 5th.

Proposition 36, officially titled the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, was placed on the ballot through a petition process. It includes several important changes to the legal framework for theft and drug offenses.

These changes would increase penalties for certain crimes, establish a treatment-oriented court system for certain drug possession cases, and require courts to inform offenders that continued illegal drug activity could lead to murder charges if someone dies as a result.

A “yes” vote would mean that people convicted of certain drug or theft crimes could face longer prison sentences or be required to complete treatment programs.

Conversely, if a “no” vote is given, the current penalties would remain unchanged.

The proposal is consistent with Pasadena’s 2024 State Legislative Platform, approved in May, and follows recommendations from the League of California Cities to express support for the measure.

If Proposition 36 passes, it could impact the operations of the Pasadena City Attorney’s Office. Currently, certain crimes can only be filed as misdemeanors, but the new measure would allow them to be charged as felonies or misdemeanors based on the decision of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. This could lead to a reduction in the number of cases referred to the city’s prosecutor’s office, which would allow for a greater focus on serious offenses such as drunk driving and domestic violence.

Proponents argue that by promoting treatment for offenders, Proposition 36 could help reduce recidivism and combat crime and homelessness in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County.

The issue was discussed at a recent City Council Legislative Committee meeting. Although this discussion covered a number of topics and issues related to this ballot proposal, according to Assistant City Manager Brenda Harvey Williams, the committee did not make a recommendation but still agreed to bring the matter to the City Council.