By Mary O’KEEFE

Supervisor Kathryn Barger offered the following statement regarding her support of Prop 36:

“I’m supporting Proposition 36 because it will reinstate accountability on crimes destroying the quality of life of law-abiding people in Los Angeles County. I believe this proposition isn’t about overturning Proposition 47 in its entirety. Proposition 36 was created by a group of bi-partisan state legislators. It’s focused on modifying legal loopholes that repeat offenders exploit as they manipulate the system to avoid legal consequences,” stated Barger.

Proposition 36, which is on the Nov. 5 ballot, makes several key changes related to punishments for theft and drug crimes. First, it increases punishment for some of these crimes. Second, it creates a new treatment-focused court process for some drug possession crimes. Third, it requires courts to warn people convicted of selling or providing illegal drugs to others that they can be charged with murder if they keep doing so and someone dies. It increases punishment for some theft and drug crimes and creates new court process for some drug possession crimes. Prop 36 allows people who possess illegal drugs to be charged with a “treatment-mandated felony” instead of a misdemeanor, in some cases. Specifically, this applies to people who possess certain drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine, and have two or more past convictions for some drug crimes.

A “Yes” vote on this measure means: People convicted of certain drug or theft crimes could receive increased punishment, such as longer prison sentences. In certain cases, people who possess illegal drugs would be required to complete treatment or serve up to three years in prison. A “No” vote on this measure means: Punishment for drug and theft crimes would remain the same, according to the California Legislative Analyst Office.

“When Proposition 47 became effective, my biggest disappointment was the dismantling of the drug court system. This was a valuable and effective tool that could help introduce treatment for people struggling with drug addiction. We were left empty-handed, with no way to incentivize rehabilitation. 

“I also believe we can implement Proposition 36’s reforms in a balanced way that respects our Board of Supervisors’ commitment to diversion and rehabilitation. We will continue honoring our sizable, multimillion dollar investments in the work of our County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Dept. and Dept. of Youth Development. Their respective missions are to decrease recidivism, enhance re-entry services and ultimately prevent individuals from becoming involved with justice systems.

“But supporting Proposition 36 sends a clear message to individuals who feel they are beyond the reach of the law: you will be held accountable,” Barger stated.