Proposition 5 is one of the few non-bond initiatives that could impact taxes on this year’s California ballot. Proposition 5 changes sentencing for drug offenses, which may be good or bad depending on your views.
It definitely impacts taxes, though. The initiative allocates $460 million to expand treatment programs for drug offenders; it increases costs by over $1 billion for expanding drug treatment and rehabilitation programs. It may also save over $1 billion by decreasing prison and/or parole operating costs.
Proponents argue that it will increase treatment programs, decrease prison overcrowding, and save money. Opponents argue that it shortens parole for some violent drug offenders, would cause damage to schools, sets up two new bureaucracies, and increases social costs.
This is a very complex proposition that deserves perusal before you vote.