Drug Treatment and Crime Victims’ Advocacy Organizations Across California Join Coalition to Support the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act
The Bipartisan Ballot Measure Will Hold Repeat Retail Theft Offenders and Serious Drug Traffickers Accountable
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 24, 2024) — Drug treatment and crime victims’ advocacy organizations across California who represent families who have been impacted by the tragic effects of drugs have joined the statewide Californians for Safer Communities (C4SC) Coalition, the campaign leading the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (Initiative 23-0017A1) to hold repeat retail theft offenders and serious drug traffickers accountable.
This bipartisan measure is focused on improving safety in every community and neighborhood in California. It focuses on accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like fentanyl while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects some towards treatment rather than incarceration.
“In the wake of losing my son Zach to a fake pill made of illicit fentanyl, I’ve dedicated my life to advocacy and education about the dangers of fentanyl. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is a beacon of hope for families like mine, offering a crucial blend of effective rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction and stringent accountability for traffickers in hopes to prevent further loss of life from fentanyl poisoning and overdose. This measure can save lives by addressing the heart of the fentanyl crisis and preventing such tragedies from shattering more families.” – Chris Didier, Executive Board Member, Victims of Illicit Drugs, Sacramento
“Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-35. Every week, we lose approximately 110 lives to this poison. It’s a number that we can—and must—reduce. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is a crucial step forward in addressing this crisis. It is imperative that we provide support and treatment for those struggling with addiction. This measure will prioritize treatment over punishment and hold traffickers accountable for the harm they cause. By passing this act, we send a clear message: California means business when it comes to tackling the fentanyl crisis.” – Pamela Smith, Founder of Mothers in Grief Support Group, Fresno
“Every day, families are shattered by the devastating effects of fentanyl or other hard drugs. California must reform its laws to ensure those trafficking these harmful substances can be held accountable. Passing the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is essential to California’s future and protecting our communities.” – Patricia Wenskunas, Founder & CEO, Crime Survivors
“For too long, repeat offenders have not been held accountable for the damage they inflict on victims, who are too often left out of conversations about criminal justice reform. We strongly support the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act as a crucial step towards protecting victims and enhancing public safety.” – Ralph Diaz, President, Stand Up for Victims
Drug Treatment and Crime Victims’ Advocacy Groups who have joined Californians for Safer Communities Coalition include:
Arrive Alive California
Crime Survivors Resource Center
Criminal Justice Legal Foundation
Crime Victims United
Drug-Induced Homicide
Mothers Against Drug Addiction & Deaths
Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse
Mothers in Grief Support Group
Out of the Ashes Organization
Parents for Safer Children
Stand Up for Victims
Victims of Illicit Drugs
Victims of Unsolved Crimes
What the Measure Does
The proposed ballot measure will:
● Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable for the safety and health of our communities.
● Create accountability for repeat smash and grab offenders who are driving up costs for all Californians and chasing retailers out of the state.
● Bring back incentives and accountability that are needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs — helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use have no incentive to choose treatment with no consequences.
In April, the coalition submitted over 900,000 voter signatures to qualify for the November General Election ballot. To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures.
