Tulare County District Attorney Files 680 Cases Under Proposition 36

VISALIA, CA — The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office has filed about 680 cases under Proposition 36 since the law went into effect in December 2024.

California voters approved the measure during the November 2024 general election. The law requires drug treatment for people convicted of certain drug and theft crimes. It also allows prosecutors to file felony charges against people who have been convicted of similar crimes in the past.

Drug Case Outcomes

Since the law went into effect, prosecutors have filed 374 cases involving drugs like fentanyl. These cases target repeat offenders who have at least two prior drug-related convictions.

According to data from the District Attorney’s Office, 55% of defendants in these cases entered rehabilitation or diversion programs. These programs allow people to avoid jail time by completing supervised treatment. Judges sentenced 16% of defendants to jail or prison. The remaining 29% of cases are still waiting for a court decision.

Theft and Shoplifting Enforcement

Prosecutors have also filed felony charges in more than 300 cases involving repeat theft and shoplifting. The law now allows for more serious charges against people with two prior theft convictions. Under the old law, these offenders typically only faced misdemeanor charges, which are for less serious crimes.

In cases already decided under the new law, judges sentenced 30% of those convicted to state prison. Officials said the change helps the county discourage repeat shoplifting by increasing punishments for those who continue to break the law.

State Funding Concerns

District Attorney Tim Ward said his office is using every available resource to make sure Proposition 36 is fully enforced as voters intended.

However, these treatment programs may face funding problems from the state. Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2026-2027 budget proposal currently lacks money for the treatment centers required by the law. Officials from the District Attorney’s Office say that without state support, local centers may struggle to provide these services.