Southern California law enforcement officials on Wednesday, Nov. 6, hailed the overwhelming passage of Proposition 36 by California voters as a means to hold repeat drug and theft offenders accountable in ways that they have been unable to since the ...

California voters have passed Proposition 36, the Associated Press projects, approving changes that will roll back criminal justice reforms from a contentious 2014 ballot measure that lessened the penalties for some crimes including theft and drug possession.

Polling support for the ballot measure surpassed 70% ahead of Election Day; opponents voiced wariness over impact on the prison population and diversion programs.

Frustrated with what they see as rampant retail crimes, voters approved an initiative making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders again and increasing penalties for some drug charges, including those involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

This proposition would allow for felony charges for certain drug and theft crimes if the defendant has two prior convictions for these offenses.

Now, certain drug offenses and thefts under $950 can be classified as felonies rather than misdemeanors if the suspected perpetrator has two or more past convictions for theft crimes.

It is clear they are closely watching now and aware of voter frustrations. Newsom and Democratic leaders in the Legislature oppose Prop. 36, but have decided to not forcefully campaign against it. They believe a package of new theft-related laws approved by state lawmakers this year is a better approach.