Proposition 36 was approved just one year ago, yet its detractors are already calling it a failure and urging its repeal. This is despite overwhelming support from California voters, who passed the measure in every one of the state’s 58 counties. 

Their message was clear: Californians want accountability and treatment for drug offenders. When properly administered and funded, drug treatment programs work. This sentiment was inspired by another Prop. 36, which was passed by voters in 2000.    

The prior Prop. 36 from 2000 drew a blueprint for what works. In a study of its effectiveness, UCLA researchers found that “Prop. 36 programs accounted for 300,000 admissions to treatment services and did so quickly in programs that generated favorable outcomes, all with noteworthy cost savi

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