California voters have overwhelmingly approved a measure that would increase the penalties for shoplifting and drug-related offenses. Proposition 36 had more than 70-percent support with nearly nine-million votes counted.
The new rule will authorize felony charges for possession of drugs including fentanyl and for thefts under 950 dollars if the offender has at least two prior drug or theft convictions.
The measure was seen as backlash to light penalties in the state but was opposed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.