Drug Treatment Bill Makes Calif. Ballot June 2, 2000
News Summary
A measure that would send nonviolent drug offenders to treatment rather than prison received enough signatures to be placed on California's November ballot, the Associated Press reported May 31.Officials said the ballot campaign for the measure received 713,849 signatures, much more than the required 419,260.
The measure, backed in part by billionaire George Soros, would require those convicted of certain drug-possession charges to receive treatment and serve probation. At the conclusion of treatment and probation, the charges may be dismissed; however, the arrest and conviction could be disclosed to police and government officials.
The measure, which is opposed by police and prison guards, would not apply to anyone convicted of selling, producing or manufacturing drugs, or those with a record of violent crimes.
Passage of the measure would save California taxpayers up to $150 million in annual prison operation costs and up to $575 million in prison construction costs, supporters said. In addition, counties could save an estimated $50 million each year in reduced jail costs.
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