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Chico council approves letter supporting Proposition 36 after split public comments
Summary
Council voted 5–1 (one absent) to authorize a letter of support for Proposition 36, a statewide measure addressing retail theft and fentanyl trafficking; supporters cited business impacts and the police chief backed the measure, while opponents and public speakers warned it could increase incarceration without adequate treatment capacity.
Councilmember Dale Bennett asked the council to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support for Proposition 36, which Bennett described as a targeted approach to hold repeat retail theft and certain drug offenses accountable while offering pathways to treatment. "Proposition 36 is targeted and balanced approach that will hold repeat drug and retail theft offenders accountable, while providing a pathway to rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction," Bennett said during the presentation.
Public testimony was split. Adrienne Hayler cautioned that the measure, as drafted, increases penalties and could expand felonies for drug possession, strain treatment resources and politicize a city council that represents a range of constituents: "Prop 36 would make that a felony... It would increase prison costs," she said. Supporters, including local business interests represented by Austin Baron, argued the change is necessary to curb retail theft and protect small businesses from repeated losses.
Police Chief commented in support, saying the measure would help "unwind some unintended consequences" of prior state changes that affected enforcement and public safety. Several council members voiced concerns about treatment capacity and broader criminal justice consequences, but a motion to approve the letter of support passed 5–1 with one councilmember opposed and one absent.
The motion instructs the city clerk and legal staff to prepare and send a letter of municipal support to the Prop 36 campaign organization. Council members cautioned that sending a letter does not bind voters and that the measure will appear on the statewide ballot for voters to decide.
