In 1996, Arizona voters passed an ordinance similar to Proposition 36. The same study also showed that the level of criminal activity among study participants declined by two-thirds after treatment. This initiative is cost effective and will result in savings of taxpayer dollars. With a reduced number of offenders entering prison custody, the measure will also result in as many as 9,500 fewer individuals in the state parole system each year. Finally, an additional 12,000 offenders will be diverted out of county jails and into community treatment programs annually Proposition 36 would make treatment more accessible to communities of color, which have been hardest hit by drug addiction.
People of color are much more likely to be convicted on drug-related charges.