SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin, announced the introduction of two new pieces of legislation aimed at combatting the ongoing fentanyl crisis. AB 889 and AB 890 are part of a multi-pronged approach Assemblyman Patterson is taking to tackle fentanyl in our community and state.
His first piece of legislation that was introduced in December, AB 18, that would hold drug traffickers and dealers accountable, was heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee today. Although it failed passage, Assemblyman Patterson persuaded the committee for a reconsideration of the bill.
“Let me be clear, the goal of AB 18 is not to add punishment to the opioid dependent person but rather to ensure that drug dealers and traffickers are held accountable,” Assemblyman Patterson said in reply to concerns from committee members. “I want California to join the rest of the nation in holding drug dealers and traffickers accountable for their actions.”
After the hearing, Assemblyman Joe Patterson went straight from the committee to the Assembly Floor to introduce AB 889 and AB 890.
AB 889 would require public schools to annually inform parents or guardians of the dangers associated with using synthetic drugs at the beginning of the first semester or quarter of each regular school term.
“By educating parents and our youth on the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids, we can help prevent fentanyl poisonings and save lives.” The fentanyl crisis has impacted communities across his district and California, leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl poisonings and deaths. This legislation aims to address the crisis with a preventative approach ensuring students are educated on the deadly consequences of recreational drug use.
AB 890 would require a defendant granted probation for a violation of laws involving fentanyl to also complete a fentanyl and synthetic opiate rehabilitation and education program.
“It’s the responsibility of this legislature to take action,” said Assemblyman Patterson. “The Public Safety Committee showed interest today in hearing educational approaches to addressing the fentanyl epidemic – I look forward to working with my colleagues to revisit AB 18 and move forward AB 889 and AB 890.”
Assemblyman Joe Patterson is a California State Assemblyman, committed to addressing the fentanyl crisis. Through this legislation, Assemblyman Patterson is working to protect the next generation from the dangers of opioid use in California.
Editors Note
AB 18 failed out of committee in a 2-5 vote on February 14 and Patterson stated he is asking for a reconsideration once he amends the bill to focus on Fentanyl.
Under AB 18 current form: This bill would require a person who is convicted of, or who pleads guilty or no contest to, the above crimes to receive a written advisory of the danger of manufacturing or distribution of controlled substances and that, if a person dies as a result of that action, the manufacturer or distributor can be charged with voluntary manslaughter or murder. The bill would require that the fact the advisory was given be on the record and recorded on the abstract of the conviction.
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Ayes Count: 2 (Alanis, Lackey)
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Noes Count 5 (Bonta, Jones-Sawyer, Ortega, Santiago, Zbur)
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NVR Count 1 (Bryan)
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NVR: Bryan
California Republicans have said since December they want to Increase Penalty for the Sale, Possession for Sale, and Transportation of Fentanyl -Increase penalties for possession for sale, sale, transportation, and importation, or offering or attempting to commit those acts with regard to fentanyl, a powerful opiate drug.: This proposal would increase the penalties associated with illegal drug trafficking of this dangerous drug.
