Pasadena City Council Committee to Discuss Supporting “Tougher on Crime” Proposition 36

On Tuesday, Pasadena’s Legislative Policy Committee will discuss supporting Proposition 36, a measure on the Nov. 5, 2024, state ballot that would toughen penalties for certain drug and theft crimes.

Proposition 36, officially titled “Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes,” aims to address issues of homelessness, drug addiction, and theft. The measure aligns with elements of Pasadena’s 2024 State Legislative Platform, approved by the City Council on May 13, 2024.

According to the State Legislative Analyst’s Office, the proposition would increase punishment for some drug and theft crimes and create a new treatment-focused court process for certain drug possession offenses. It would also require courts to warn individuals convicted of selling or providing illegal drugs that they could face murder charges if they continue and someone dies.

The Office of the City Manager has recommended that the City Council support the proposition and find that the action is exempt from CEQA under the commonsense exemption.

In a memo, the office said Proposition 36 will more broadly apply measures to help ensure desired reforms while also addressing and course correcting for the undesirable outcomes of the previous legislation.

If passed, the measure could impact Pasadena’s City Prosecutor’s Office in several ways. It would allow certain offenses currently filed as misdemeanors to be charged as felonies, potentially reducing the caseload for the City Prosecutor’s Office or increasing custody referrals requiring judicial review.

The memo suggests that if the District Attorney’s Office files more cases as felonies, it could lead to “greater consequences and greater incentives” to obtain treatment than traditional misdemeanor prosecution. This approach might help reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for defendants, potentially decreasing crime and homelessness in the area.

The League of California Cities has urged local governments to express support for Proposition 36. The Pasadena City Council regularly considers ballot items that could impact the city, aligning with its strategic goals to support quality of life, ensure public safety, and maintain fiscal stability.

A “Yes” vote on Proposition 36 would mean increased punishments for certain drug and theft crimes, including longer prison sentences. In some cases, individuals possessing illegal drugs would be required to complete treatment or serve up to three years in prison. A “No” vote would mean punishments for drug and theft crimes would remain the same.

The City Council’s consideration of Proposition 36 comes as part of its ongoing efforts to address public safety concerns and manage the city’s approach to drug-related offenses and theft crimes. The outcome of this deliberation could signal Pasadena’s stance on statewide criminal justice reform efforts.