Napa, CA — Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley appeared before state legislators in Sacramento on Tuesday to advocate for crucial funding in California’s state budget aimed at addressing substance use disorders. Haley, who serves as president of the California District Attorneys Association, emphasized the importance of providing meaningful treatment options for individuals struggling with addiction, an initiative supported by the passage of Proposition 36 in November 2024.
At a joint informational hearing held by the California Senate Public Safety and Budget Committees, Haley called on lawmakers to prioritize resources for addiction treatment, describing it as a reflection of the state’s collective values. “Funding treatment for those who are ready to address their illness is a reflection of our commitment to honor the wishes of the voters and provide meaningful options for those battling addiction,” she stated.
Proposition 36, overwhelmingly passed by California voters, aims to reshape how individuals with substance use disorders are treated within the criminal justice system. The measure provides greater flexibility for prosecutors, allowing them to offer treatment instead of incarceration for eligible individuals who commit crimes fueled by their addiction.
Haley’s remarks were personal as well as professional, as she shared her experience growing up with a father who battled drug and alcohol addiction. She expressed her belief that the criminal justice system’s approach to addiction in the 1980s and 1990s was insufficient, often cycling individuals in and out of jail without addressing the root cause of their behavior. “I like that Prop 36 gives prosecutors the flexibility to treat serial theft offenders differently and more severely than someone who committed a single theft on one occasion,” Haley explained.
The Napa County District Attorney emphasized that effective treatment must be individualized. She stressed that while some individuals may require residential care, others may benefit from outpatient programs, drug court supervision, or regular support group meetings. Haley highlighted the importance of tailoring treatment to the needs of each defendant, stating, “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach but rather, something that caters to individual needs.”
In Napa County, Haley has implemented a practice known as “wash-out periods,” where repeat offenders with prior convictions from within the last 10 years are considered for treatment programs, while others may be excluded from the initiative. Haley’s approach aligns with the desire of many prosecutors across the state to thoughtfully implement Prop 36 based on the specific needs of their communities.
“We don’t have to do that—the law doesn’t require it—but I know that the citizens of Napa want Prop 36 to be thoughtfully implemented with an eye toward hardened, repeat offenders,” Haley stated, emphasizing her commitment to balancing treatment options with accountability.
The District Attorney also praised Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to CARE courts, which aim to ensure individuals who need treatment have access to the services they require. Haley expressed hope that the combination of CARE courts and Proposition 36 would offer a comprehensive solution for individuals suffering from addiction and provide them with the tools to turn their lives around.
Haley’s message was clear: for Prop 36 to succeed, funding is essential. She urged the legislature to allocate sufficient resources for addiction treatment programs, ensuring that individuals who want help can access it. “Treatment can be varied and appropriate to the person—not everyone will require a bed and an overnight stay. Some people will,” she noted. “Others might require a drug court-type approach with supervision, drug testing, and daily or other regular NA or AA meetings.”
As Haley concluded her remarks, she reflected on her own experiences, expressing that Prop 36 could have made a difference for her father. “I wish that something like Prop 36 had been around to help my father; I like to think that he would have taken advantage of it,” she said. “We owe them nothing less than full commitment to make this work.”
Haley’s passionate advocacy for funding addiction treatment underscores the broader goal of the initiative: to provide people battling addiction with a path to recovery and a chance to reintegrate as productive members of society. With strong backing from lawmakers, Proposition 36 has the potential to create lasting change for both individuals and communities throughout California.