Proposition 36 to reshape crime penalties in San Luis Obispo County
District attorney’s office outlines key elements
– Proposition 36, recently passed by voters statewide and locally, has officially gone into effect. The measure aims to address repeated crime while ensuring individuals in need receive necessary support. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office outlined key elements of the new law and its integration with existing county programs in a recent Facebook post.
The law includes tougher penalties for serial retail theft through the aggregation of offenses, qualifying priors, and potential prison time. According to the district attorney’s office, the county has a strong partnership with law enforcement and the business community to enforce these measures.
Proposition 36 also introduces enhancements targeting fentanyl dealers by incorporating fentanyl-related offenses into state penal codes and Alexandra’s Law, a fentanyl advisement program. San Luis Obispo County was the first in the state to file murder charges against a fentanyl dealer for a fentanyl-laced pill death and has implemented a fentanyl advisement locally. These new measures provide additional tools to address the fentanyl crisis, the office stated.
Mandated drug and mental health treatment is another focus of the law, extending the work of the county’s Collaborative Courts Program. This initiative, run by the district attorney’s office in coordination with probation and the health agency, aims to provide support for individuals through rehabilitation efforts.
The district attorney’s office emphasized public trust, transparency, and accountability in implementing Proposition 36. Officials plan to develop additional programs and protocols to support the initiative and will share updates on its progress and outcomes with the community.
The office expressed gratitude to San Luis Obispo County voters for their support in addressing key issues impacting local communities.