BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On April 18, the Californians for Safer Communities Coalition announced that it will submit over 900,000 voter signatures to qualify the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (Initiative 23-0017A1) to qualify for the November General Election ballot. 

To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures. The bipartisan measure is focused on improving safety in every community and neighborhood in California. It focuses on accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like fentanyl while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects addicts toward treatment rather than incarceration.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey has endorsed the initiative measure noting, “This is not a red or a blue issue, it is a California issue to bring back some common-sense solutions to the unintended consequences of Prop 47 passed in 2014 and ensure our communities are safe. It is an act of compassion to help those who cannot help themselves and move people from the streets to treatment and recovery.”

Ramsey noted the proposed ballot measure will hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable, for the safety and health of our communities.

It will also create accountability for repeat smash-and-grab offenders who are driving up costs for all Californians and chasing retailers out of the state.

Lastly, it will bring back accountability and incentives that are needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs -- helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use have no incentive to choose treatment over what has become minimal consequences.

For more information, go to www.CASafeCommunities.com.