Even drug abusers with long histories of drug dealing, parole violations and prior felonies would escape jail. But the initiative includes no safeguards or licensing guidelines to ensure these programs are effective. Instead, they would be given treatment. Proposition 36 also prevents prison or jail for persons convicted of possessing illegal drugs while armed with loaded firearms, or of abusing drugs while on parole. Proposition 36 forces employers to keep drug abusers on the job, making it easier for drug abusers to continue working as teachers, school bus drivers, even airline pilots.
Testing is vital because it holds drug abusers accountable during treatment.
Without testing, there is no way to prove treatment is working. Sends the Wrong Message to Our Kids Proposition 36 tells our children there are no longer any real consequences for using illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine. It sends the same message to hardcore drug abusers. Don't be fooled. This dangerous and misleading initiative threatens public safety and hurts our ability to help drug abusers conquer their addictions with treatment programs that really work.