Sheriff Says California Funding for New Crime Law Falls Short of Needs

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper said California has not done enough to address repeat theft, drug crime, domestic violence and mental health diversion despite voter approval of tougher penalties last year. Cooper answered “Not enough. Not enough” when asked whether Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature had acted sufficiently on crime.

“It’s just frustrating that people are hesitant to do anything,” he added. Proposition 36, approved by nearly 70 percent of voters in every county, increased penalties for repeat retail theft and certain drug crimes including fentanyl trafficking. It also created a treatment-mandated felony allowing judges to require eligible offenders to complete drug or mental health treatment in exchange for dismissal of the felony charge.

The measure rolled back portions of the 2014 Proposition 47 that had reduced penalties for many theft and drug possession offenses. Newsom and most Democratic leaders opposed the measure. Cooper noted that no statewide official supported it.

He said retailers already report fewer thefts under the new law, but added, “It is working. ” Newsom and lawmakers state that this year’s budget includes $375 million to help implement Proposition 36. Budget documents show only $50 million is specifically dedicated to helping courts and pretrial services handle the added workload.

Cooper also criticized the state’s mental health diversion program and said domestic violence is not classified as a violent felony in many cases. He said legislation expanding diversion to additional theft offenses would undermine Proposition 36. Cooper acknowledged recent declines in violent crime statistics but said the numbers do not capture broader public concerns about repeat offenders and victim support.