California voters approve rollback of 2014 criminal justice measure

Concerns about the effects of crimes on local communities have convinced California voters to approve a rollback of a criminal justice initiative they had backed in 2014, in a vote that is expected to have a significant impact on mental health funding streams. With just over half of votes counted, Proposition 36 last week appeared headed for an overwhelming victory, standing at just over 70% support. The measure will reclassify as felonies some nonviolent offenses that had been reduced to misdemeanors when the state's voters approved Proposition 47 in 2014. Savings from the 2014 initiative's reduction in incarceration were directed to investment in mental health and related services (see “California ballot item could reduce major mental health funding source,” MHW, Oct. 14, 2024; https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34205). California Gov. Gavin Newsom had spoken out strongly against the new initiative, but voters appeared swayed by the effects of thefts, drug crimes and related acts on local communities' quality of life. Under the earlier act's funding formula, 65% of the state's savings from reduced incarceration were directed to mental health, substance use and diversion programs.