PROP 36 AT A GLANCE

A Look At Proposition 36, The Substance Abuse And Crime Prevention Act, On
November's Ballot:

Summary -- The act would divert most non-violent, first- and second-time
drug and alcohol offenders in California, up to 37,000 per year, from jail
or prison and into treatment. Suspects involved in manufacturing, sales and
distribution of drugs would be exempt. The act mandates that up to $120
million per year from the state budget be spent on expanded treatment of
drug and alcohol abusers.

Pro -- Supporters say the criminal war on drugs is not working; that many
drug and alcohol offenders need medical help, not prison; and that the
treatment approach could save up to $200 million per year in jail and prison
operating costs and up to $575 million in one-time costs for prison
construction.

Con -- Detractors say the law would remove discretion from judges and
prosecutors, who already have the option to send offenders into treatment in
California's extensive drug court system. They also say treatment doesn't
work for many offenders without at least the threat of jail, and that the
increased need for residential treatment homes would burden neighborhoods
where lower property values already mean they have more than their share.