Vice President Harris Under Scrutiny For Proposition 36 Stance

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Vice President Kamala Harris is under fire from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for her refusal to disclose her stance on Proposition 36, a ballot measure in California aimed at addressing the state's rising crime rates. Sheriff Bianco criticized Harris for not supporting what he deems as a crucial public safety initiative that would reverse certain criminal justice reforms.

Proposition 36, also known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, seeks to amend Prop 47, which reclassified some felonies as misdemeanors in 2014. If passed, Prop 36 would make shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders, increase penalties for certain drug charges, and empower judges to mandate treatment for individuals with multiple drug offenses.

Harris, a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, declined to reveal her vote on Proposition 36, stating that she did not want to influence voters on the eve of the election. Despite her silence on the matter, she confirmed that she did cast a vote.

It seeks to increase penalties for certain drug charges and mandate treatment for drug offenses.

Prop 36 aims to amend Prop 47 by making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders.

Harris declined to reveal her vote on Prop 36 to avoid influencing voters.

Sheriff Bianco and other supporters of Prop 36 argue that the measure is essential for cleaning up the streets and enhancing neighborhood safety, particularly in light of the surge in theft, smash-and-grab robberies, and organized retail crime in recent years. They believe that Prop 47, which Harris's office was involved in drafting the ballot language for, has contributed to the increase in crime and public safety concerns.

Residents who backed Prop 47 in 2014 have expressed feeling misled by the ballot language, which they claim did not accurately reflect the impact of the measure. Bianco emphasized that the initiative, initially named the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, did not deliver on its promises and instead exacerbated issues related to homelessness, mental health, and drug addiction.

As the debate over Proposition 36 continues, Harris's decision to remain neutral on the ballot measure has drawn criticism from those advocating for tougher penalties and interventions to address California's crime challenges.