Sheriffs Call for Comprehensive Prop 36 Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carmen Green, Executive Director

June 11, 2025

press@calsheriffs.org

The California State Sheriffs’ Association, which represents the 58 elected California Sheriffs, issued the following statement regarding the two-party legislative budget agreement announced this week:

We acknowledge the Legislature’s inclusion of one-time funding for parts of Proposition 36 implementation in its budget agreement, but this plan is inadequate to provide comprehensive and ongoing funding for this vital voter-approved measure.

The budget includes no resources for frontline law enforcement to support interventions in the community or the custodial implications of enhanced accountability. Despite allocations to the courts, it seems unlikely at best that any of those proposed funds would support prosecutorial efforts related to statutory changes made by Prop 36 or court security needs that will undoubtedly arise from increased judicial workload.

Providing modest treatment funds solely to county behavioral health ignores the roles other entities play in delivering treatment programs, perhaps most notably that of county probation and sheriffs’ offices, which must undeniably be part of the equation when it comes to supervision and accountability.

Voters spoke forcefully and unequivocally when 70% of them cast a ballot against rampant retail theft and drug-related crimes and the damage those things are doing to our neighborhoods. The unambiguous voice of the people will be muted if the principles of Prop 36 are starved of appropriate financial support. We urge the Legislature and the Governor to continue working on this and fully fund Proposition 36.

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