Citrus Heights Chamber joins roundtable discussion on Prop 36

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce joined regional leaders in a “pivotal” roundtable discussion on Prop 36 last month, hosted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and Sac Metro Chamber.

The forum brought together representatives from law enforcement, district attorney’s offices, health and behavioral services, county supervisors, chambers of commerce and business leaders, according to a newsletter from the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the roundtable was to “brainstorm and strategize” how to implement 36 effectively.

“These collaborative discussions highlight the importance of a unified approach in tackling the challenges that impact businesses and the community,” the Chamber wrote, adding that extra attention was given to addressing the fentanyl crisis and handling repeat offenders.

In a follow up post on social media, the Chamber said successful implementation of Prop 36 requires “collaboration” between businesses, law enforcement and the community.

The chamber said businesses “must take the initiative” by reporting any thefts to police. Without a report from the business, law enforcement can’t take any action against suspects.

The Chamber encouraged businesses to stay informed about aggregated theft polices and how they affect felony charges, and to continue to “engage” with the community, including joining roundtable discussions and supporting initiatives led by local authorities and organizations.

Local businesses can also access resources and information, and request a Retail Theft Initiative window cling, from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office’s Prop 36 webpage, the city said in a business newsletter last week. Businesses can visit the district attorney’s page here for more information.

What can residents in Citrus Heights expect, now that Prop 36 passed? – Citrus Heights Sentinel

In November 2024, California voters approved Prop 36, a measure that increased penalties for certain theft and drug offenses. The initiative allows felony charges for individuals convicted of possessing specific drugs, including Fentanyl, and those who commit thefts under $950 if they have two prior drug or theft convictions. Prosecutors can now aggregate multiple thefts totaling over $950, resulting in felony charges instead of misdemeanors.

Prop 36 also introduces a “treatment-mandated felony” category, requiring individuals convicted of possessing illegal drugs to complete treatment or face up to three years in prison.

The proposition aims to address retail theft and drug trafficking, particularly involving fentanyl, by reversing parts of the 2014 Proposition 47, which had downgraded certain felonies to misdemeanors.

Supporters argue that Prop 36 enhances public safety and accountability, while opponents have expressed concerns about potential impacts on marginalized communities and increased incarceration costs.

While Prop 47 has been criticized for being lax on crime, supporters praised it for decreasing the prison population in California and allowing more individuals to access mental health and addiction treatment instead of facing incarceration.