FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2026

CONTACT: Jason Scalese (916) 651-4614

Senator Alvarado-Gil Joins Push to Deliver on Rural California’s Overwhelming Call for Proposition 36 Funding

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) voiced strong support for Senate Bill 926, authored by Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach). The bill would direct General Fund dollars into the new California Public Safety Services Support Fund, providing dedicated funding for supervised treatment programs, local law enforcement, and probation services, the practical, accountability-focused help rural communities need to combat repeat theft, drug addiction, and the revolving door of crime.

“Proposition 36 sent an unmistakable message from every corner of California that we demand real accountability for theft and addiction while providing pathways to treatment, and Sacramento has no right to shortchange its implementation,” said Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil. “SB 926 delivers the critical funding needed to turn that overwhelming voter mandate into safer communities and effective recovery for those struggling with substance abuse.”

All 58 California counties voted in favor of Proposition 36, with more than 68% support statewide. The measure strengthens penalties for repeat theft and drug offenses while creating a treatment-mandated felony that gives chronic offenders a clear choice: get supervised help or face real consequences.

Senator Strickland put it plainly: “Californians spoke loudly and clearly. Now, Sacramento must deliver. This measure passed with strong bipartisan support, with Democrats, Independents, and Republicans demanding safer communities, real accountability, and meaningful treatment options to address addiction and repeat theft.”

Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), Vice Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, added: “Voters approved this reform expecting action. SB 926 provides resources counties need to expand treatment, support law enforcement and probation, and deliver the accountability Californians expected.”

In rural counties like Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Mariposa, jails, probation officers, and treatment providers are stretched thin. SB 926 would deliver dedicated funding to expand supervised treatment beds, strengthen probation oversight, and give law enforcement the tools to keep repeat offenders off the streets and on the path to recovery.

Proposition 36 was never about politics, it was simply common sense for the hardworking families in California’s rural communities. It’s time Sacramento stops dragging its feet and delivers the safer streets voters demanded.