SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Californians to Reduce Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft announced February 2nd that they have collected another nearly 100,000 signatures from California voters totaling over 300,000 to place the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act on the November 2024 ballot.

“We continue to see an outcry of overwhelming support from Californians of every political affiliation and geographic region across the state demanding for change that will improve community safety and hold repeat offenders of theft and serious drug crimes including those involving fentanyl accountable,” said campaign chair Greg Totten who is also chief executive officer for the California District Attorneys Association.

“Californians want to feel safe in their neighborhoods and when they shop, and this initiative amends Prop 47 to effectively hold individuals accountable for repeat crimes of theft and serious drugs like fentanyl while making sure individuals receive and complete drug and mental health treatment they need,” added Totten.

A survey of likely California voters found that 70% of voters support the title and summary of the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The overwhelming support was consistent across every demographic and geography including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Furthermore, 89% of likely voters support amending Proposition 47 for stronger penalties for those engaged in repeated retail theft and trafficking hard drugs like fentanyl. The measure also includes incentives to complete drug and mental health treatment for people who are addicted to hard drugs. The survey was conducted online from November 8-November 13, 2023, with a margin of error of +/- 2.28%. 

To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures.

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