September 23, 2025
On September 22nd, Executive Director of Public Affairs Justine Murray participated in a roundtable discussion facilitated by Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft. The event aimed to
discuss the state of public safety, retail theft, and organized crime following the passage of Prop 36 last year. Justine joined District Attorney Summer Stephan on behalf of our business community, also joined by representatives from the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA).
The event brought together dozens of business owners, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and community leaders to discuss how Prop 36 is already impacting California’s public safety landscape. Participants highlighted how Prop 36 provides new tools to address repeat theft, while also investing in rehabilitation programs targeting root causes such as fentanyl abuse, homelessness, and addiction.
Prop 36 has already been successful in San Diego County. As of August 21, a total of 2,000 cases have been charged under Prop 36, with habitual offenders held accountable. Statewide, CDAA reports that over 75% of defendants have prior felonies and nearly one-third have prior serious or violent felony convictions. Despite this early success, the state has yet to fully fund Prop 36, leaving local governments and law enforcement without the resources needed to implement the law effectively and expand rehabilitation and treatment programs. The Chamber will continue to engage in conversations on the implementation of Prop 36 and the effects of public safety on our local business community.