YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Since Proposition 36 took effect on Dec. 18, 2024, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office has filed 77 complaints alleging the newly enacted violation of Health and Safety Code section 11395, for possession of hard drugs with two or more priors.

Additionally, 94 complaints were filed alleging a violation of the newly enacted Penal Code section 666.1, shoplifting with two or more priors. Sixty-three of the cases filed were felonies, while 31 were misdemeanors.

Among the key provisions created by Proposition 36 include mandated treatment for individuals who are charged with their third drug possession offense; elevates theft offenses to felonies after a second conviction; aggregates multiple thefts to meet the felony threshold amount of $950; and advises convicted drug dealers that if they continue to sell drugs and someone dies, they can be charged with murder.  

Voters in every single California county passed Proposition 36 and, in doing so, it restored the ability to achieve the objective of holding people accountable for their actions and mandating services to those who are severely addicted or mentally ill.

Beginning May 1, the Yolo County Superior Court started a dedicated treatment court review process for those who were ordered into treatment. 

To date, 14 individuals have entered pleas to Health and Safety Code section 11395; 16 have been referred for Proposition 36 assessments; seven have completed their assessment; five have accepted treatment; 55 are still pending; and four cases were reduced to misdemeanors by either the District Attorney or the Court. 

“Yolo County voters, like all of California, voted overwhelmingly in support of Prop. 36, wanting to stop repeated theft and to get drug treatment to those suffering from addiction,” Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig said. “We are pleased with the progress thus far in fully implementing all aspects of Prop. 36 and we are very optimistic that the results will be a better Yolo County.”