|
|
| Sentencing reform Proposition 47 passes |
| By indybay.org |
| Published: 11/05/2014 |
|
California - Tonight, California voters passed criminal justice reform measure Proposition 47. Proposition 47 changes the lowest level drug possession and petty theft crimes from felonies to simple misdemeanors for some people. Although re-sentencing is not guaranteed, up to 10,000 people in California’s prisons and jails will be eligible for resentencing, and newly sentenced individuals who meet the requirements will be under county jurisdiction. The measure predicted to save $150-250 million a year to be channeled into prevention programs and recidivism reduction, but advocates have raised concerns about exactly where that money will go. “The passage of prop 47 is yet another clear signal that the majority of Californians want an end to mass incarceration and an increase in spending on social programs” says Emily Harris, Statewide Coordinator of Californians United for a Responsible Budget. “The passage of this proposition is a clear signal that all planned prison and jail expansion should be halted immediately before any more public funds are squandered.” Currently, the state is building new prison beds at Mule Creek prison in Ione and Donovan prison in San Diego, costing taxpayers $810 million, and is converting two former juvenile prisons into adult facilities. In recent years, California has pushed forward $2.2 billion of jail construction money, propelling over 41 counties to make jail expansion plans. The majority of savings from this measure--65%--will go directly to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), the body responsible for directing billions of dollars of construction money to prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers. The Board is composed of majority law enforcement officials. Read More. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think