BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act went into effect in California on Wednesday and aims to change the mounting retail crime thefts while addressing drug addiction. The surge in organized crime retail theft, as well as home burglaries, are reasons why California voters overwhelmingly passed Prop 36 in November, with 68% of the vote. Motorcyclist suffers major injuries after being hit by sedan on Wilson Rd. The measure made shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders. The new law also increased sentences for certain drug crimes especially those involving deadly drugs like fentanyl. Critics believe Prop 36 will only add to the already overcrowded jail population as funding remains an issue. District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said prosecutors are now equipped to impose appropriate consequences. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage “The law is now on our side. I want our community to feel confident that whenthey call for help, officers will respond, criminals will be arrested, and justice will be served. My hope is that Proposition 36 will hold offenders accountable, help persons with addiction get well, and make California, especially Kern County, a safer place to live. There’s hope for a safer California, and it begins at midnight.” D.A. Cynthia Zimmer