Proposition 36 aimed to provide mass treatment for homeless drug users in California but has led to minimal progress. The Bay Area has seen only a few dozen individuals enter treatment programs since implementation. Skepticism surrounds the measure's ability to fulfill its goals, primarily due to insufficient treatment capacity. Advocates blame Governor Newsom and lawmakers for not allocating enough resources to support the measure. Prop 36 allows felony charges for repeat petty offenders but offers dismissal if treatment is completed. Despite this, only about 600 cases were filed in six months after enactment.
"There's simply not enough treatment capacity to accommodate the number of people referred into treatment," said Robb Layne, executive director of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, a group advocating for addiction care providers.
"It's kind of sad and disappointing that the governor and legislature opted not to provide the funding necessary to do what the voters want to see done," said Jonathan Raven, assistant chief executive with the California District Attorneys Association.
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