TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The Tulare County District Attorney's Office has filed over 20 cases for felony theft or drug possession charges that would have been misdemeanors before the passing of Prop 36. Since the passing of Prop 36 in mid-December 2024, officials say prosecutors can now file felony charges for theft and shoplifting for perpetrators with two prior theft-related convictions. Prop 36 also imposes stricter penalties and mandated treatment felony charges for possession of hard narcotics, like fentanyl, for those with two prior related convictions. District Attorney Tim Ward says since Prop 36's passing, he and other attorneys in the community have stepped forward to prosecute repeat offenders to the fullest extent of the law. ‘We’re coming for you’: Fresno County DA, Sheriff react to Prop 36 passage The crimes addressed by Proposition 36 greatly affect the quality of life for those who liveand work in our Tulare County communities,” Ward said. "The message is clear, Californians demand accountability for repeat offenders." Officials say the implementation of Prop 36 in mid-December has allowed TCDA prosecutors to file on 13 defendants for felony theft that would have been a misdemeanor, and 12defendants for felony drug possession. “These crimes would have been filed as misdemeanors and the revolving door for repeat offenders would have continued. These are now felony crimes, and have been filed as such,” Ward said. “I have instructed prosecutors to utilize every tool available as we move forward."