Much of the Proposition 36 debate has focused on the increased penalties for shoplifting, but the drug policy changes are even more dramatic.

A ballot measure that will increase the penalties for low-level thefts and drug possession has overwhelming support from California voters, according to a new study from the Public Policy Institute of California.

Nearly three-quarters of likely voters said that they will vote “yes” on the ballot measure to reimpose felony charges for certain drug- and theft-related offenses.

A new statewide poll in California found that nearly three-quarters of Golden State residents support Proposition 36, a ballot measure that would re-classify some misdemeanors as felonies and would also create a new category of crime called a "treatment-mandated felony.

The new numbers, from the Public Policy Institute of California, also show strong support for climate and education bond measures.

In the Golden State, a ballot measure seeking to strengthen penalties for various crimes looks well on its way to passing in November. Proposition 36, titled the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,