AB 33: Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
- Session Year: 2023-2024
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2023-10-13
Current Status:
Passed
(2023-10-13: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 887, Statutes of 2023.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill creates a state task force to study fentanyl and xylazine misuse, collect data, and recommend ways to prevent overdoses and improve treatment. Cochaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer, the group brings together law enforcement, health and hospital officials, treatment providers, schools, community groups, and a person in recovery to review prevention, public awareness, medical care (including medication‑assisted treatment), and enforcement strategies.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl misuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl misuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl misuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force.
The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than June 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2025.
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl misuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl misuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl misuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force.
The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than June 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2025.
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Addiction Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, misuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse misuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. misuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, State Public Health Officer, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force.
The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March June 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature by January July 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by July December 1, 2025.
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force.
The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025.
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force.
The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025.
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force. The
The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025. The
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force. The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Attorney General, the Governor, and the Legislature by July Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Attorney General, the Governor, Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force. The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Attorney General, the Governor, and the Legislature by July 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Attorney General, the Governor, and the Legislature by July 1, 2025. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. The act classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law prohibits a person from possessing for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale, specified controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment in a county jail for 2, 3, or 4 years for a violation of this provision.
This bill would establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require the task force to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General, or their designees, and would specify the membership of the task force. The bill would require the first meeting of the task force to take place no later than March 1, 2024, and would require the task force to meet at least once every 2 months. The bill would require the task force to submit an interim report to the Attorney General, the Governor, and the Legislature by July 1, 2025, and would require the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Attorney General, the Governor, and the Legislature by July 1, 2025. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2026.
Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies certain opioids, including fentanyl, as Schedule II drugs. Existing law sets forth various programs relating to opioid overdose prevention and treatment, including, among others, a naloxone grant program administered by the State Department of Public Health, standing orders for the distribution of an opioid antagonist, and cleanup of property contaminated by fentanyl laboratory activity. The Naloxone Distribution Project is administratively created by the State Department of Health Care Services to reduce opioid overdose-related deaths. Chapter 783 of the Statutes of 2022, whose provisions become effective January 1, 2023, requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to establish a grant program to reduce fentanyl overdoses and use throughout the state, as specified.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to a fentanyl task force, in order to identify and address the fentanyl crisis as part of the opioid epidemic in this state. The bill would further state the intent of the Legislature that any future appropriation made for the purpose of implementing the fentanyl task force not exceed an unspecified dollar amount.Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies certain opioids, including fentanyl, as Schedule II drugs. Existing law sets forth various programs relating to opioid overdose prevention and treatment, including, among others, a naloxone grant program administered by the State Department of Public Health, standing orders for the distribution of an opioid antagonist, and cleanup of property contaminated by fentanyl laboratory activity. The Naloxone Distribution Project is administratively created by the State Department of Health Care Services to reduce opioid overdose-related deaths. Chapter 783 of the Statutes of 2022, whose provisions become effective January 1, 2023, requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to establish a grant program to reduce fentanyl overdoses and use throughout the state, as specified.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to a fentanyl task force, in order to identify and address the fentanyl crisis as part of the opioid epidemic in this state. The bill would further state the intent of the Legislature that any future appropriation made for the purpose of implementing the fentanyl task force not exceed an unspecified dollar amount.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl misuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl and xylazine activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl misuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl or xylazine, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl misuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl misuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl misuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl misuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl or xylazine, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or xylazine, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Review and recommend model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl misuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl misuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl misuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl misuse.
(10)Evaluate strategies to improve coordination and collaboration between social media platforms, public health entities, and law enforcement.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer or their designees.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General as cochair.
(2)The State Public Health Officer as cochair.
(3)The Director of Health Care Services.
(4)The Director of Social Services.
(5)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(6)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(7)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(8)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(9)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(10)One representative of a local educational agency, appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
(11)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(12)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(13)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(14)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
(15)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(16)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(17)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(18)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid misuse, appointed by the Governor.
(19)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(20)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(21)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance misuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl misuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than June 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before December 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For purposes of this section, fentanyl misuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature for the purpose of this section.
(i)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
In order to ensure the task force addresses, at the earliest possible time, the rising number of Californians killed by fentanyl every day and the even more potent and lethal fentanyl derivatives that are making their way into the state at an accelerating rate, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl misuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl and xylazine activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl misuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl or xylazine, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl misuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl misuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl misuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl misuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl or xylazine, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or xylazine, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Review and recommend model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl misuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl misuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl misuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl misuse.
(10)Evaluate strategies to improve coordination and collaboration between social media platforms, public health entities, and law enforcement.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer or their designees.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General as cochair.
(2)The State Public Health Officer as cochair.
(3)The Director of Health Care Services.
(4)The Director of Social Services.
(5)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(6)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(7)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(8)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(9)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(10)One representative of a local educational agency, appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
(11)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(12)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(13)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(14)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
(15)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(16)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(17)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(18)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid misuse, appointed by the Governor.
(19)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(20)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(21)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance misuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl misuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than June 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before December 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For purposes of this section, fentanyl misuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature for the purpose of this section.
(i)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
In order to ensure the task force addresses, at the earliest possible time, the rising number of Californians killed by fentanyl every day and the even more potent and lethal fentanyl derivatives that are making their way into the state at an accelerating rate, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse misuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl and xylazine activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse misuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, fentanyl or xylazine, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. misuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse misuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse. misuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse misuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, fentanyl or xylazine, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, fentanyl or xylazine, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop Review and recommend model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, misuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, misuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, misuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse. misuse.
(10)Evaluate strategies to improve coordination and collaboration between social media platforms, public health entities, and law enforcement.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available. State Public Health Officer or their designees.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General. General as cochair.
(2)The Surgeon General.(3)(2)The State Public Health Officer. Officer as cochair.
(4)(3)The Director of Health Care Services.
(5)(4)The Director of Social Services.
(6)The Secretary of California Health and Human Services.(7)(5)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(8)(6)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(9)(7)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(10)(8)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(11)(9)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(12)One representative from the State Department of Education.(10)One representative of a local educational agency, appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
(13)(11)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(14)(12)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(15)(13)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(16)(14)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
(17)(15)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(18)(16)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(19)(17)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(20)(18)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, misuse, appointed by the Governor.
(21)(19)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(22)(20)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(23)(21)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse. misuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse misuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March June 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July December 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January July 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse misuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature for the purpose of this section.
(i)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
In order to ensure the task force addresses, at the earliest possible time, the rising number of Californians killed by fentanyl every day and the even more potent and lethal fentanyl derivatives that are making their way into the state at an accelerating rate, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. Reimbursement of necessary expenses may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General.
(2)The Surgeon General.
(3)The State Public Health Officer.
(4)The Director of Health Care Services.
(5)The Director of Social Services.
(6)The Secretary of California Health and Human Services.
(7)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(8)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(9)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(10)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(11)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(12)One representative from the State Department of Education.
(13)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(14)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(15)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(16)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
(17)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(18)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(19)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(20)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor.
(21)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(22)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(23)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature for the purpose of this section.
(i)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
In order to ensure the task force addresses, at the earliest possible time, the rising number of Californians killed by fentanyl every day and the even more potent and lethal fentanyl derivatives that are making their way into the state at an accelerating rate, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. Reimbursement of necessary expenses may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General.
(2)The Surgeon General.
(3)The State Public Health Officer.
(4)The Director of Health Care Services.
(5)The Director of Social Services.
(6)The Secretary of California Health and Human Services.
(7)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(8)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(9)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(10)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(11)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(12)One representative from the State Department of Education.
(13)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(14)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(15)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(16)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
(17)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(18)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(19)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(20)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor.
(21)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(22)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(23)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature for the purpose of this section.
(i)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
In order to ensure the task force addresses, at the earliest possible time, the rising number of Californians killed by fentanyl every day and the even more potent and lethal fentanyl derivatives that are making their way into the state at an accelerating rate, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. Reimbursement of necessary expenses may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General.
(2)The Surgeon General.
(3)The Director of the State Department of Public Health.(3)The State Public Health Officer.
(4)The Director of the State Department of Health Care Services.
(5)The Director of the State Department of Social Services.
(6)The Director of the California Health and Human Services Agency.(6)The Secretary of California Health and Human Services.
(7)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(8)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(9)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(10)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(11)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(12)One representative from the State Department of Education.
(13)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(14)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(15)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(16)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association. Association of California.
(17)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(18)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(19)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(20)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor.
(21)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(22)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(23)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For the purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature for the purpose of this section.
(h)(i)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people addicted to fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse. abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. Reimbursement of necessary expenses may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General.
(2)The Surgeon General.
(3)The Director of the State Department of Public Health.
(4)The Director of the State Department of Health Care Services.
(5)The Director of the State Department of Social Services.
(6)The Director of the California Health and Human Services Agency.
(5)(7)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(6)(8)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(9)The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
(7)(10)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(11)One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
(8)(12)One representative from the State Department of Education.
(9)(13)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(10)(14)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(15)One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
(16)One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association.
(17)One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
(11)(18)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(12)(19)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine. Medicine who is a mental health professional.
(13)Two representatives from community organizations that serve persons who misuse fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.(20)One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor.
(14)(21)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(22)One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(23)One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, Governor and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor, the Attorney General, Governor and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For the purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine, naloxone, buprenorphine and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people addicted to fentanyl, fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. Reimbursement of necessary expenses may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General.
(2)The Surgeon General.
(3)The Director of the State Department of Public Health.
(4)The Director of the State Department of Health Care Services.
(5)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(6)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(7)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(8)One representative from the State Department of Education.
(9)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(10)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(11)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(12)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine.
(13)Two representatives from community organizations that serve persons who misuse fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(14)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For the purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
REVISIONS: HeadingLine 2.(a)There is hereby established the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
(1)Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
(2)Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
(3)Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the states education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(4)Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
(5)Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
(6)Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
(7)Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine, naloxone, and other medications.
(8)Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people addicted to fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(9)Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
(b)The task force shall be cochaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
(c)The members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. Reimbursement of necessary expenses may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force. The task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
(1)The Attorney General.
(2)The Surgeon General.
(3)The Director of the State Department of Public Health.
(4)The Director of the State Department of Health Care Services.
(5)One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
(6)One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(7)One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
(8)One representative from the State Department of Education.
(9)One representative from the California Hospital Association.
(10)One representative from the California Medical Association.
(11)Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(12)One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine.
(13)Two representatives from community organizations that serve persons who misuse fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
(14)One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
(d)Whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
(e)The task force shall meet at least once every two months. Subcommittees may be formed and meet as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public. The first meeting of the task force shall be held no later than March 1, 2024.
(f)(1)On or before July 1, 2025, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Legislature. At the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
(2)On or before January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit an interim report to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Legislature.
(3)A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)For the purposes of this section, fentanyl abuse means the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SECTION 1.(a)It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to a fentanyl task force, in order to identify and address the fentanyl crisis as part of the opioid epidemic in this state.(b)It is further the intent of the Legislature that any future appropriation made in the annual Budget Act or another statute, for the purpose of implementing the fentanyl task force, not exceed ____ dollars ($____).(a)It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to a fentanyl task force, in order to identify and address the fentanyl crisis as part of the opioid epidemic in this state.
(b)It is further the intent of the Legislature that any future appropriation made in the annual Budget Act or another statute, for the purpose of implementing the fentanyl task force, not exceed ____ dollars ($____).
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Oct 13, 2023 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 887, Statutes of 2023. |
| Oct 13, 2023 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 21, 2023 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3:30 p.m. |
| Sep 14, 2023 | Urgency clause adopted. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 80. Noes 0. Page 3527.). |
| Sep 12, 2023 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. |
| Sep 12, 2023 | Read third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 38. Noes 0. Page 2634.). |
| Sep 11, 2023 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Sep 7, 2023 | Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading. |
| Sep 5, 2023 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Sep 1, 2023 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| Sep 1, 2023 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (September 1). |
| Aug 14, 2023 | In committee: Referred to APPR suspense file. |
| Jun 28, 2023 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 27). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 14, 2023 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on PUB S. |
| Jun 7, 2023 | Referred to Com. on PUB S. |
| May 26, 2023 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 25, 2023 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 1757.) |
| May 22, 2023 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 18, 2023 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| May 18, 2023 | Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 1580.) |
| May 18, 2023 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 18). |
| May 17, 2023 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| May 3, 2023 | Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| May 2, 2023 | Read second time and amended. |
| May 1, 2023 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (April 27). |
| Mar 22, 2023 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (March 21). Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S. |
| Mar 22, 2023 | Coauthors revised. |
| Mar 13, 2023 | Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH. |
| Mar 9, 2023 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HEALTH. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 6, 2023 | Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH. |
| Mar 2, 2023 | Referred to Coms. on HEALTH and PUB. S. |
| Mar 2, 2023 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HEALTH. Read second time and amended. |
| Dec 6, 2022 | From printer. May be heard in committee January 5. |
| Dec 5, 2022 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 14, 2023 | AB 33 Bains Concurrence - Urgency Added | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Sep 12, 2023 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB33 Bains et al. By Seyarto Urgency Clause | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Sep 1, 2023 | Do pass as amended | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 14, 2023 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 27, 2023 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
|
| May 25, 2023 | AB 33 Bains Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 18, 2023 | Do pass as amended. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 27, 2023 | Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
|
| Mar 21, 2023 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Public Safety] | Assembly Standing Committee on Health |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| ARCADIA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| Association of California Healthcare Districts | * Support | Mar 21, 2023 |
| Attorney General Rob Bonta | ** Support | |
| Bakersfield Police Dept | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| Behavioral Health Directors Association | * For If Amend | Apr 27, 2023 |
| Burbank Police Officers Association | ** Support | |
| California Academy Of Family Physicians | ** Support | |
| California Association Of Highway Patrolmen | ** Support | |
| California Black Health Network | ** Support | |
| California Catholic Conference | ** Support | |
| California Coalition of School Safety Professionals | ** Support | |
| California Contract Cities Association | ** Support | |
| California Hospital Association | ** Support | |
| California Partnership For Health | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| California Police Chiefs Association | ** Support | |
| California Reserve Peace Officers Association | ** Support | |
| California Society of Health System Pharmacists | ** Support | |
| California State Association Of Counties | ** Support | |
| California State Sheriffs Associaiton | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| California Statewide Law Enforcement Association | ** Support | |
| Central Valley Health Network | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| City of Bakersfield | ** Support | |
| City Of Burbank | ** Support | |
| City of Downey | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| city of laguna niguel | ** Support | |
| City of Long Beach | ** Support | |
| City of Norwalk | ** Support | |
| City of Simi Valley | ** Support | |
| City of Soledad | ** Support | |
| City of Thousand Oaks | ** Support | |
| CLAREMONT POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| Corona Police Officers Association | ** Support | |
| County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California | ** Support | |
| County Health Executives Association Of California | ** Support | |
| County of Ventura | ** Support | |
| Culver City Police Officers' Association | ** Support | |
| Deputy Sheriff Association of Monterrey County | * Support | Mar 21, 2023 |
| Deputy Sheriffs Association of Monterey County | ** Support | |
| El Dorado Hills | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council | ** Support | |
| FULLERTON POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| League Of California Cities | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| los angeles school police officers association | ** Support | |
| MURRIETA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| Newport Beach Police Association | ** Support | |
| Niemela Pappas And Associates | * Support | Apr 27, 2023 |
| Novato Police Officers Association | ** Support | |
| Palos Verdes Police Officers Association | ** Support | |
| Peace Officers Research Association Of California | ** Support | |
| Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association | ** Support | |
| POMONA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| RIVERSIDE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| Riverside Sheriffs Association | ** Support | |
| San Francisco Public Defender | ** Against | |
| Santa Ana Police Officers Association | ** Support | |
| Solano County Board of Supervisors | ** Support | |
| Upland Police Officers Association | ** Support |
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 33
Author:(Bains)
As Amended Ver:September 7, 2023
2/3 vote. Urgency
SUMMARY
Establishes, subject to an appropriation by the Legislature, the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force (Task Force) to undertake specified duties relating to fentanyl abuse. Contains an urgency clause to ensure the provisions of this bill take effect immediately.
Senate Amendments
Remove the provision that reimbursement of necessary expenses for members of the task force may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency; change reference from fentanyl addiction or abuse to fentanyl misuse throughout; add xylazine as a subject of the Task Force; alter the makeup of the Task Force and replace the Surgeon General as a cochair with the State Public Health Officer; and, extend timelines under which Task Force operate.
COMMENTS
- Controlled Substances. Certain drugs are classified under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) into one of five schedules. Placement in a given schedule depends on whether a drug has a currently accepted medical use, its relative abuse potential, and its likelihood of causing either addiction or physical dependency when abused. Most opioid analgesics are Schedule II drugs, in that they have a recognized medical use, but also have a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and/or physical dependence. The CSA places a number of restrictions on prescribers and pharmacies that dispense controlled substances like opioids. For example, refills are not permitted and a new written prescription must be presented each time the drug is dispensed. Fentanyl is currently classified as Schedule II. California's Uniform Controlled Substances Ace very closely mirrors the Federal CSA related to drug/opioid classification.
- Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. First developed in 1959, it was introduced in the 1960's as an intravenous anesthetic. Fentanyl is legally manufactured and distributed in the United States; however, there are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Most recently, cases of fentanyl-related overdoses are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl that is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the CDC, only three states, California, Illinois, and Virginia experienced a statistically significant change in overdose death rates involving synthetic opioids from 2016 to 2017. Eighteen states reflected no statistically significant change in overdose deaths and 25 states plus the District of Columbia remained stable. In stark contrast, the 2019-2020 figures reflect that 40 states and the District of Columbia experienced a statistically significant increase in opioid related deaths while only four states did not have a significant increase and only seven states remained stable.
- Fentanyl in California. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in California. In 2021, fentanyl was involved in over 83% of the 7,175 opioid related deaths. The number of deaths each year involving fentanyl increased dramatically between 2012 and 2021. During this time period fentanyl related overdose deaths increased by more than 7,250% from 82 to 5,961 in 2021.
- Statewide Overdose Safety Workgroup (SOSW). The SOSW was established in 2014 by the Department of Public Health (DPH) to address the emerging public health issue of opioid use, misuse, addiction and related overdoses in partnership with departments and agencies representing diverse sectors. Currently, the SOSW continues to serve as a vehicle to enhance the coordination and alignment among state organizations on overdose prevention strategies, activities, and messages. The SOSW is not codified in statute.
According to DPH, while the SOSW's initial focus was on prescription opioids, in recent years as the overdose epidemic escalated and continued to change, the workgroup has included fentanyl. The SOSW developed the "Responding to a Fentanyl Overdose: What California First Responders Need to Know" fact sheet with information designed for first responders who may encounter fentanyl on the job. The SOSW's treatment sub-group has also identified fentanyl as a high priority item to address moving forward, although planning remains underway.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI) of DPH addresses fentanyl prevention and surveillance. These public health efforts can help inform the future direction and activities of the SOSW. The DPH OPI:
- Tracks fatal and non-fatal overdoses related to fentanyl and shares this information via the "California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard" and program website;
- Funds 22 Opioid Safety Coalitions. In response to the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, coalitions distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and develop and disseminate fentanyl awareness communication and outreach materials;
- Maintains a fentanyl webpage that contains information and resources on the dangers of fentanyl; and,
- Effective October 17, 2022, DPH's, Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch, began soliciting bids via a Request for Proposals from media agencies in order to award a contract to develop a statewide Opioid Overdose Prevention and Education Media Campaign.
When providing technical assistance on AB 1673 (Seyarto) of 2022, which would have also created an Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force, DPH stated that an overlap, not a duplication of efforts, exists between the proposed responsibilities of the Task Force outlined in both AB 1673 and this bill and the ongoing strategies of the SOSW, such as strengthening statewide collaboration and promoting public education and awareness. There are additional responsibilities of the Task Force that are not supported by the current SOSW, such as prosecuting persons engaged in the illegal sale and trafficking of fentanyl. The Task Force would focus specifically on fentanyl while the SOSW currently addresses opioids more broadly. Therefore, the Task Force would be able to further the state's work by examining and providing recommendations to state leadership on fentanyl-related issues from a coordinated, collaborative, and multisector approach. Depending on the composition of the individuals on the Task Force, there may be an overlap between the membership rosters. There are others identified as Task Force members that are not currently represented on the SOSW (e.g., person in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse; California District Attorney's Association; or local law enforcement). DPH concluded that as an identified Task Force member and convener of the SOSW, they could connect and leverage expertise and resources between the two groups, as deemed appropriate.
According to the Author
Fentanyl addiction is a serious public safety and public health issue that requires an organized response. Establishing a Task Force that is dedicated to combating fentanyl addiction and death is essential. This Task Force will bring together law enforcement, public health officials, and healthcare providers to coordinate an effective response to the problem. The Task Force will focus on a number of different strategies, including increasing access to overdose-reversing drugs, improving substance use disorder treatment and recovery support, and crafting strategies to reduce the availability of illicit fentanyl. Working with law enforcement and public health officials, the Task Force can monitor drug distribution and develop strategies to prevent the use, manufacture, and distribution of illicit fentanyl. The author concludes that in order to combat the fentanyl epidemic, it is essential to establish a Task Force that is dedicated to this cause. By focusing on strategies to reduce the availability of fentanyl and increase public awareness, the Task Force can help to reduce the devastating impact that fentanyl is having on our communities.
Arguments in Support
The Association of California Healthcare Districts, (ACHD) in a support position states that fentanyl overdoses are killing 200 Americans every day. In 2019 and 2020, fentanyl was the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18-45. This bill creates a dedicated task force of experts from public safety, medical, governing, and public health backgrounds that will create a multisector approach to combatting the fentanyl crisis. The task force will collaborate to create strategies that increase access to overdose-reversing drugs, increase public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, improve substance use disorder treatment, and reduce the availability of fentanyl. ACHD concludes by stating that healthcare districts understand firsthand the critical importance of addressing the fentanyl crisis comprehensively and that this bill is one solution.
Arguments in Support if Amended
The County Health Executives Association of California, in a support if amended position, seeks the addition of a local health department representative to the Task Force.
Arguments in Opposition
According to the San Francisco Public Defender's Office (SFPDO), in opposition states that the Task Force is unnecessary because decades of research advocating for evidence-based, public health solutions already exists. In concluding SFPDO states that instead of the creation of another task force with heavy law enforcement leadership and involvement, we must implement, fund, and increase access to evidence-based solutions and resources. Such solutions and resources include housing, job training, healthcare, education, syringe services programs, naloxone training and distribution, drug checking services, and supervised injection sites-- enabling service providers to meet people who use drugs where they are, address the immediate harms they face, and build trust that can support their overall and long-term health.
The Department of Finance is also opposed to this bill since it would substantially increase General Fund costs and pressures that are not included in the budget. The Administration shares the goals and objectives of this bill to help effectively address the fentanyl problem. The recently enacted budget provides substantial and increased resources in various spaces associated with opioids, albeit not with this proposed task force, to help with this effort. Adding additional resources for this bill may be challenging given the economic uncertainty currently facing California and the nation. In addition, although important it may be challenging to meet the ambitious timelines proposed in the bill (for example, holding the first meeting by March of 2024 since there is no appropriation in the bill or budget at this time). Lastly, the proposed makeup of the task force while broad does not appear to give the Administration a controlling interest, which may usurp the Executive Branch’s authority for directing state programs in most cases and with few exceptions
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, General Fund (GF) cost pressures in the millions of dollars. The Department of Justice reports costs of $3.7 million in 2023-24, $4.6 million in 2024-25 and $2.5 million in 2025-26, for additional staffing to establish, support, and manage the Task Force (GF). DPH reports costs in the hundreds of thousands for additional staffing until 2025-26 (Opioid Settlements Fund, GF).
VOTES:
ASM HEALTH: 14-0-1
YES: Wood, Waldron, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Boerner Horvath, Flora, Vince Fong, Maienschein, McCarty, Joe Patterson, Rodriguez, Santiago, Villapudua, Weber
ABS, ABST OR NV: Wendy Carrillo
ASM PUBLIC SAFETY: 8-0-0
YES: Jones-Sawyer, Alanis, Bonta, Bryan, Lackey, Ortega, Santiago, Zbur
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1
YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega
ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0-2
YES: Addis, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk‑Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Rendon
ABS, ABST OR NV: Aguiar-Curry, Mathis
UPDATED
VERSION: September 7, 2023
CONSULTANT: Judith Babcock / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097 FN: 0001631
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 33 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 33
Author: Bains (D), et al.
Amended: 9/7/23 in Senate
Vote: 27 - Urgency
SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: 5-0, 6/27/23
AYES: Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Bradford, Skinner, Wiener
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 9/1/23
AYES: Portantino, Jones, Ashby, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab, Wiener
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/25/23 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
Senate Floor Amendments of 9/7/23 add xylazine to the substances covered, change the term “abuse” to “misuse,” make changes to the timelines in the bill, modify the composition of the task force to replace the Surgeon General with the State Public Health Officer as co-chair of the task force, remove the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and replace a representative of the State Department of Education with a representative of a local educational agency appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, which regulates controlled substances. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11000 et seq.)
- Classifies controlled substances into five schedules according to their danger and potential for abuse. (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 11054-11058.)
- Classifies fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11055, subd.(c)(8).)
- Makes it unlawful to possess specified controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year unless the person has one or more prior convictions for a serious or violent felony, as specified. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11350, subd. (a).)
- Makes it unlawful for a person to possess for sale or purchase for purpose of sale several specified controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, opium, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for two, three, or four years. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351.)
- Makes it unlawful for a person to transport, import, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or offer or attempt to transport, import, sell, furnish, administer, or give away specified controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for three, four, or five years. Provides that the punishment for transporting those specified controlled substances within the state between noncontiguous counties is imprisonment in the county jail for three, six, or nine years. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352.)
- States that in addition to the term of imprisonment provided by law for persons convicted of violating specified drug offenses, including possession, the trial court may impose a fine not exceeding $20,000 for each offense. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11372, subd. (a).)
This bill:
- Establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
- Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
- Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
- Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
- Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
- Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
- Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
- Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
- Provides that the task force co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees.
- Requires the Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General to provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
- Provides that the members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority.
- Provides that the task force is comprised of the following representatives or their designees: the Attorney General; the Surgeon General; the State Public Health Officer; the Director of Health Care Services; the Director of Social Services; the Secretary of California Health and Human Services; one Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee; one Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; the Chairperson of the Judicial Council; one representative from the California District Attorneys Association; one representative from the California Public Defenders Association; one representative from the State Department of Education; one representative from the California Hospital Association; one representative from the California Medical Association; one representative from the County Health Executives Association of California; one representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California; one representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor; three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol; one representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional; one representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor; one representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor; one representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor; and one representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
- Requires, whenever possible, that members of the task force have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
- Requires that the task force meet at least once every two months. Authorizes subcommittees to be formed and meet as necessary. Requires all meetings to be open to the public. Requires the first meeting to be held no later than March 1, 2024.
- Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on or before July 1, 2025. Provides that the report may include minority findings and recommendations at the request of any member.
- Requires the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025.
- Requires a report to be submitted pursuant to the provisions of this bill in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
- Defines “fentanyl abuse” as the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
- Provides that it be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature.
- Includes a sunset date of January 1, 2026.
- Contains an urgency clause.
Background
The number of deaths involving fentanyl in California has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 2012 and 2018, fentanyl overdose deaths increased by more than 800%—from 82 to 786. (CDPH, Overdose Prevention Initiative <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/PrescriptionDrugOverdoseProgram.aspx?msclkid=99f1af92b9e411ec97e3e1fe58cde884 [last visited Jun. 19, 2023].) In 2021, there were 5,961 deaths related to fentanyl overdoses. (CDPH, California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard <https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=Home [last visited Jun. 19, 2023]).
The state’s 2022-23 budget included $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within DOJ to combat the manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of fentanyl throughout and into the state by organized criminal enterprises. (Governor Newsom, California State Budget 2022-23, p. 118 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf as of [Jun. 19, 2023].) The budget funded 25 new positions within DOJ to support those efforts. (California State Budget 2022-23, Department of Justice Detailed Department Overview, p. 3 available at <https://ebudget.com.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/GovernorsBudget/0100/0820.pdf as of [Jun. 19, 2023].)
The 2023-24 budget allocated $14 million over four years for education, testing, recovery, and support services, and to support innovative approaches to make fentanyl testing strips and naloxone more widely available. (Governor Newsom, California State Budget 2023-24, p. 54 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2023-24/pdf/Enacted/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf as of [Sept. 1, 2023].)
The Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis also includes $30 million to expand California National Guard’s work to prevent drug-trafficking transnational criminal organizations. The Governor has additionally allocated $40.8 million for an education and awareness campaign to establish partnerships and create messaging and education tools for parents and educators as well as $23 million for substance use disorder workforce grants to develop substance use disorder training for non-behavioral health professionals working with children and youth. (Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis (Mar. 2023) available at <https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fentanyl-Opioids-Glossy-Plan_3.20.23.pdf?emrc=86c07e [as of Jun. 19, 2023].)
In order to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis, this bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do a number of things, including collect data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in the state, identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in the state, measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional or unintentional consumption of fentanyl, evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse, analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and develop model treatment protocols for MAT of fentanyl addiction and abuse, among other things. The task force includes 27 members, including the Attorney General, State Public Health Officer, Director of the Department of Health Care Services, representatives of law enforcement organizations, representatives of specified medical and health-related associations, an individual in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, and representatives of organizations that provide services to homeless individuals and individuals who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, among others.
This bill requires the task force’s first meeting to be held no later than March 1, 2024 and requires the task force to meet at least once every two months. The task force is required to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025, and a final report must be submitted on or before July 1, 2025. This bill sunsets on January 1, 2026 and contains an urgency clause.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
General fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars. The DOJ reports costs of $3.7 million in 2023-24, $4.6 million in 2024-25 and $2.5 million in 2025-26, for additional staffing to establish, support, and manage the Task Force (General Fund).
The CDPH reports costs in the hundreds of thousands for additional staffing until 2025-26 (Opioid Settlements Fund, General Fund).
SUPPORT: (Verified 9/7/23)
Attorney General Rob Bonta
Arcadia Police Officers’ Association
Burbank Police Officers’ Association
California Academy of Family Physicians
California Association of Highway Patrolmen
California Black Health Network
California Catholic Conference
California Coalition of School Safety Professionals
California Contract Cities Association
California Hospital Association
California Police Chiefs Association
California Reserve Peace Officers Association
California Society of Health System Pharmacists
California State Association of Counties
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
City of Bakersfield
City of Burbank
City of Laguna Niguel
City of Long Beach
City of Norwalk
City of Simi Valley
City of Soledad
City of Thousand Oaks
Claremont Police Officers’ Association
Corona Police Officers’ Association
County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California
County Health Executives Association of California
County of Ventura
Culver City Police Officers’ Association
Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council
Fullerton Police Officers’ Association
Los Angeles School Police Officers’ Association
Murrieta Police Officers’ Association
Newport Beach Police Association
Novato Police Officers Association
Palos Verdes Police Officers’ Association
Peace Officers Research Association of California
Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Assocation
Pomona Police Officers’ Association
Riverside Police Officers’ Association
Riverside Sheriffs’ Association
Santa Ana Police Officers Association
Solano County Board of Supervisors
Upland Police Officers Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/7/23)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/25/23
AYES: Addis, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Aguiar-Curry, Mathis
Prepared by: Stephanie Jordan / PUB. S. /
9/8/23 15:39:43
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 33 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 33
Author: Bains (D), et al.
Amended: 9/1/23 in Senate
Vote: 27 - Urgency
SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: 5-0, 6/27/23
AYES: Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Bradford, Skinner, Wiener
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 9/1/23
AYES: Portantino, Jones, Ashby, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab, Wiener
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/25/23 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, which regulates controlled substances. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11000 et seq.)
- Classifies controlled substances into five schedules according to their danger and potential for abuse. (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 11054-11058.)
- Classifies fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11055, subd.(c)(8).)
- Makes it unlawful to possess specified controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year unless the person has one or more prior convictions for a serious or violent felony, as specified. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11350, subd. (a).)
- Makes it unlawful for a person to possess for sale or purchase for purpose of sale several specified controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, opium, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for two, three, or four years. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351.)
- Makes it unlawful for a person to transport, import, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or offer or attempt to transport, import, sell, furnish, administer, or give away specified controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for three, four, or five years. Provides that the punishment for transporting those specified controlled substances within the state between noncontiguous counties is imprisonment in the county jail for three, six, or nine years. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352.)
- States that in addition to the term of imprisonment provided by law for persons convicted of violating specified drug offenses, including possession, the trial court may impose a fine not exceeding $20,000 for each offense. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11372, subd. (a).)
This bill:
- Establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
- Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
- Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
- Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
- Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
- Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
- Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
- Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
- Provides that the task force co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees.
- Requires the Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General to provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
- Provides that the members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority.
- Provides that the task force is comprised of the following representatives or their designees: the Attorney General; the Surgeon General; the State Public Health Officer; the Director of Health Care Services; the Director of Social Services; the Secretary of California Health and Human Services; one Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee; one Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; the Chairperson of the Judicial Council; one representative from the California District Attorneys Association; one representative from the California Public Defenders Association; one representative from the State Department of Education; one representative from the California Hospital Association; one representative from the California Medical Association; one representative from the County Health Executives Association of California; one representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California; one representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor; three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol; one representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional; one representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor; one representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor; one representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor; and one representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
- Requires, whenever possible, that members of the task force have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
- Requires that the task force meet at least once every two months. Authorizes subcommittees to be formed and meet as necessary. Requires all meetings to be open to the public. Requires the first meeting to be held no later than March 1, 2024.
- Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on or before July 1, 2025. Provides that the report may include minority findings and recommendations at the request of any member.
- Requires the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025.
- Requires a report to be submitted pursuant to the provisions of this bill in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
- Defines “fentanyl abuse” as the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
- Provides that it be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature.
- Includes a sunset date of January 1, 2026.
- Contains an urgency clause.
Background
The number of deaths involving fentanyl in California has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 2012 and 2018, fentanyl overdose deaths increased by more than 800%—from 82 to 786. (CDPH, Overdose Prevention Initiative <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/PrescriptionDrugOverdoseProgram.aspx?msclkid=99f1af92b9e411ec97e3e1fe58cde884 [last visited Jun. 19, 2023].) In 2021, there were 5,961 deaths related to fentanyl overdoses. (CDPH, California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard <https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=Home [last visited Jun. 19, 2023]).
The state’s 2022-23 budget included $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within DOJ to combat the manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of fentanyl throughout and into the state by organized criminal enterprises. (Governor Newsom, California State Budget 2022-23, p. 118 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf as of [Jun. 19, 2023].) The budget funded 25 new positions within DOJ to support those efforts. (California State Budget 2022-23, Department of Justice Detailed Department Overview, p. 3 available at <https://ebudget.com.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/GovernorsBudget/0100/0820.pdf as of [Jun. 19, 2023].)
The 2023-24 budget allocated $14 million over four years for education, testing, recovery, and support services, and to support innovative approaches to make fentanyl testing strips and naloxone more widely available. (Governor Newsom, California State Budget 2023-24, p. 54 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2023-24/pdf/Enacted/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf as of [Sept. 1, 2023].)
The Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis also includes $30 million to expand California National Guard’s work to prevent drug-trafficking transnational criminal organizations. The Governor has additionally allocated $40.8 million for an education and awareness campaign to establish partnerships and create messaging and education tools for parents and educators as well as $23 million for substance use disorder workforce grants to develop substance use disorder training for non-behavioral health professionals working with children and youth. (Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis (Mar. 2023) available at <https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fentanyl-Opioids-Glossy-Plan_3.20.23.pdf?emrc=86c07e [as of Jun. 19, 2023].)
In order to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis, this bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do a number of things, including collect data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in the state, identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in the state, measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional or unintentional consumption of fentanyl, evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse, analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and develop model treatment protocols for MAT of fentanyl addiction and abuse, among other things. The task force includes 27 members, including the Attorney General, State Public Health Officer, Director of the Department of Health Care Services, representatives of law enforcement organizations, representatives of specified medical and health-related associations, an individual in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, and representatives of organizations that provide services to homeless individuals and individuals who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, among others.
This bill requires the task force’s first meeting to be held no later than March 1, 2024 and requires the task force to meet at least once every two months. The task force is required to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025, and a final report must be submitted on or before July 1, 2025. This bill sunsets on January 1, 2026 and contains an urgency clause.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
General fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars. The DOJ reports costs of $3.7 million in 2023-24, $4.6 million in 2024-25 and $2.5 million in 2025-26, for additional staffing to establish, support, and manage the Task Force (General Fund).
The CDPH reports costs in the hundreds of thousands for additional staffing until 2025-26 (Opioid Settlements Fund, General Fund).
SUPPORT: (Verified 9/1/23)
Attorney General Rob Bonta
Arcadia Police Officers’ Association
Burbank Police Officers’ Association
California Academy of Family Physicians
California Association of Highway Patrolmen
California Black Health Network
California Catholic Conference
California Coalition of School Safety Professionals
California Contract Cities Association
California Hospital Association
California Police Chiefs Association
California Reserve Peace Officers Association
California Society of Health System Pharmacists
California State Association of Counties
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
City of Bakersfield
City of Burbank
City of Laguna Niguel
City of Long Beach
City of Norwalk
City of Simi Valley
City of Soledad
City of Thousand Oaks
Claremont Police Officers’ Association
Corona Police Officers’ Association
County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California
County Health Executives Association of California
County of Ventura
Culver City Police Officers’ Association
Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council
Fullerton Police Officers’ Association
Los Angeles School Police Officers’ Association
Murrieta Police Officers’ Association
Newport Beach Police Association
Novato Police Officers Association
Palos Verdes Police Officers’ Association
Peace Officers Research Association of California
Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Assocation
Pomona Police Officers’ Association
Riverside Police Officers’ Association
Riverside Sheriffs’ Association
Santa Ana Police Officers Association
Solano County Board of Supervisors
Upland Police Officers Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/1/23)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/25/23
AYES: Addis, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Aguiar-Curry, Mathis
Prepared by: Stephanie Jordan / PUB. S. /
9/5/23 9:13:25
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 33 (Bains) - Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force
Version: June 14, 2023 | Policy Vote: PUB. S. 5 - 0 |
Urgency: Yes | Mandate: No |
Hearing Date: September 1, 2023 | Consultant: Matthew Fleming |
Bill Summary:
AB 33, an urgency measure, would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, such collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********
The following information is revised to reflect amendments
adopted by the committee on September 1, 2023
Fiscal Impact:
- General fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars. The Department of Justice (DOJ) reports costs of $3.7 million in 2023-24, $4.6 million in 2024-25 and $2.5 million in 2025-26, for additional staffing to establish, support, and manage the Task Force (General Fund).
- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports costs in the hundreds of thousands for additional staffing until 2025-26 (Opioid Settlements Fund, General Fund).
Committee Amendments:
Make a technical change.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 33 (Bains) - Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force
Version: June 14, 2023 | Policy Vote: PUB. S. 5 - 0 |
Urgency: Yes | Mandate: No |
Hearing Date: August 14, 2023 | Consultant: Matthew Fleming |
Bill Summary:
AB 33, an urgency measure, would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, such collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
Fiscal Impact:
- General fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars. The Department of Justice (DOJ) reports costs of $3.7 million in 2023-24, $4.6 million in 2024-25 and $2.5 million in 2025-26, for additional staffing to establish, support, and manage the Task Force (General Fund).
- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports costs in the hundreds of thousands for additional staffing until 2025-26 (Opioid Settlements Fund, General Fund). See Staff Comments for additional detail.
Background:
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic and anesthetic. Introduced in the 1960’s as an intravenous anesthetic, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It is legally manufactured and distributed in the United States, however, fentanyl pharmaceutical products are often diverted via theft, fraudulent prescriptions and illicit distribution by patients, physicians and pharmacists.
The number of deaths involving fentanyl in California has increased dramatically in recent years. There has been a commensurate interest by state and local authorities to combat the prevalence of fentanyl within the State. Last year the State budget established the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within the DOJ in order to combat the manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of fentanyl throughout, and into, the state by organized criminal enterprises. $7.9 million was allocated in 2022-23 with an additional $6.7 million ongoing. In addition, the budget allocated $30 million one-time to the Military Department in order to expand its already existing drug interdiction efforts, with a particular focus on assisting federal, state, and local law enforcement in combatting fentanyl.
This bill expands upon the State’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. It establishes the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to do a number of things, including collect data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in the state, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, evaluate the progress of the state in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse, and analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate. The task force includes 22 members, including the Attorney General, Director of the Department of Public Health, Director of the Department of Health Care Services, representatives of law enforcement organizations, an individual in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, a mental health professional, and representatives of organizations that provide services to homeless individuals and individuals who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, among others.
The bill specifies that the task force meet at least once every two months and that the first meeting of the task force be held by March 1, 2024. The task force must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Legislature by July 1, 2025. The provisions of this bill sunset on January 1, 2026.
Proposed Law:
- Establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force and provides the duties of the Task Force, including the collection and organization of data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
- Requires the task force to be co-chaired by the Attorney General (AG) and the Surgeon General (SG) or their designees.
- States that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
- Provides that the task force shall be comprised specified representatives or their designees.
- States that, whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
- Requires the task force to meet at least once every two months and for the meetings to be open to the public.
- Requires, on or before July 1, 2025, the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.
- Requires, on or before or before January 1, 2025, the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
- Defines “fentanyl abuse” as the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health
- Provides that these provisions remain effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date are repealed.
Related Legislation:
SB 19 (Seyarto, 2023) would, subject to an appropriation, establish the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force, chaired by the Attorney General, in order to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse can conduct regular meetings at two-month intervals. SB 19 is pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Staff Comments:
CDPH reports total costs of $183,000 in 2024-25 and $91,000 in 2025-26 if the State Public Health Officer (CDPH Director) were a task force participant only, or approximately $441,000 in 2024-25 and $220,000 in 2025-26 if the State Public Health Officer were to serve as co-chair along with the Attorney General. Staff notes that the 2022-23 budget included $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund the Fentanyl Task Force within DOJ to help tackle the fentanyl crisis. The task force included 25 new positions within DOJ to support those efforts. Staff notes that the additional resources required to implement this bill may result in some duplication of effort.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Senator Aisha Wahab, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular
Bill No: AB 33 Hearing Date: June 27, 2023
Author: | Bains | ||
Version: | June 14, 2023 | ||
Urgency: | Yes | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | SJ | ||
Subject: Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force
HISTORY
Source: Author
Prior Legislation: AB 1673 (Seyarto), held in Assembly Appropriations in 2022
Support: California Academy of Family Physicians; California Association of Highway Patrolmen; California Black Health Network; California Catholic Conference; California Contract Cities Association; California Hospital Association; California Police Chiefs Association; California Society of Health System Pharmacists; California State Association of Counties; California Statewide Law Enforcement Association; City of Bakersfield; City of Long Beach; City of Norwalk; City of Simi Valley; City of Soledad; City of Thousand Oaks; County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California; County Health Executives Association of California; County of Ventura; Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council; Peace Officers Research Association of California
Opposition: None known
Assembly Floor Vote: 78 - 0
PURPOSE
The purpose of this bill is to establish the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
Existing law establishes the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, which regulates controlled substances. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11000 et seq.)
Existing law classifies controlled substances into five schedules according to their danger and potential for abuse. (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 11054-11058.)
Existing law classifies fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11055, subd.(c)(8).)
Existing law makes it unlawful to possess specified controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year unless the person has one or more prior convictions for a serious or violent felony, as specified. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11350, subd. (a).)
Existing law makes it unlawful for a person to possess for sale or purchase for purpose of sale several specified controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, opium, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for two, three, or four years. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351.)
Existing law makes it unlawful for a person to transport, import, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or offer or attempt to transport, import, sell, furnish, administer, or give away specified controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl. Provides that the punishment is imprisonment in the county jail for three, four, or five years. Provides that the punishment for transporting those specified controlled substances within the state between noncontiguous counties is imprisonment in the county jail for three, six, or nine years. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352.)
Existing law states that in addition to the term of imprisonment provided by law for persons convicted of violating specified drug offenses, including possession, the trial court may impose a fine not exceeding $20,000 for each offense. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11372, subd. (a).)
This bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do the following, to the extent feasible:
- Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California.
- Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California.
- Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse.
- Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse.
- Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications.
- Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, but are not limited to, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment.
- Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
This bill provides that the task force co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees.
This bill requires the Department of Justice and the Office of the Surgeon General to provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
This bill provides that the members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the respective appointing authority. This bill authorizes reimbursement of necessary expenses to be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force.
This bill provides that the task force is comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
- The Attorney General.
- The Surgeon General.
- The State Public Health Officer.
- The Director of Health Care Services.
- The Director of Social Services.
- The Secretary of California Health and Human Services.
- One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
- One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
- The Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
- One representative from the California District Attorneys Association.
- One representative from the California Public Defenders Association.
- One representative from the State Department of Education.
- One representative from the California Hospital Association.
- One representative from the California Medical Association.
- One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California.
- One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
- One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor.
- Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
- One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine who is a mental health professional.
- One representative who is in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, appointed by the Governor.
- One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
- One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor.
- One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
This bill requires, whenever possible, that members of the task force have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
This bill requires that the task force meet at least once every two months. Authorizes subcommittees to be formed and meet as necessary. Requires all meetings to be open to the public. Requires the first meeting to be held no later than March 1, 2024.
This bill requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on or before July 1, 2025. Provides that the report may include minority findings and recommendations at the request of any member.
This bill requires the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025.
This bill requires a report to be submitted pursuant to the provisions of this bill to be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
This bill defines “fentanyl abuse” as the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner, or with a frequency, that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
This bill provides that it be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made by the Legislature.
This bill includes a sunset date of January 1, 2026.
This bill contains an urgency clause.
COMMENTS
- Need For This Bill
According to the author:
Fentanyl addiction is a serious public safety and public health issue that requires an organized response. Establishing a task force that is dedicated to combating fentanyl addiction and death is essential. This task force should bring together law enforcement, public health officials, and healthcare providers to coordinate an effective response to the problem. The task force will focus on a number of different strategies, including increasing access to overdose-reversing drugs, improving substance use disorder treatment and recovery support, and crafting strategies to reduce the availability of illicit fentanyl. Working with law enforcement and public health officials, the task force can monitor drug distribution and develop strategies to prevent the use, manufacture, and distribution of illicit fentanyl. The task force can also work to raise public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as connect people with substance use disorder treatment and recovery support. Public education campaigns should be continued and expanded to help inform the public about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as provide resources for those who are struggling with addiction. In order to combat the fentanyl epidemic, it is essential to establish a task force that is dedicated to this cause. By focusing on strategies to reduce the availability of fentanyl and increase public awareness, the task force can help to reduce the devastating impact that fentanyl is having on our communities.
- Fentanyl in California
The number of deaths involving fentanyl in California has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 2012 and 2018, fentanyl overdose deaths increased by more than 800%—from 82 to 786. (CDPH, Overdose Prevention Initiative <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/PrescriptionDrugOverdoseProgram.aspx?msclkid=99f1af92b9e411ec97e3e1fe58cde884> [last visited Jun. 19, 2023].) In 2021, there were 5,961 deaths related to fentanyl overdoses. (CDPH, California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard <https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=Home> [last visited Jun. 19, 2023]).
- Existing Statewide Efforts
The state’s 2022-23 budget included $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within DOJ to combat the manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of fentanyl throughout and into the state by organized criminal enterprises. (Governor Newsom, California State Budget 2022-23, p. 118 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf> as of [Jun. 19, 2023].) The budget funded 25 new positions within DOJ to support those efforts. (California State Budget 2022-23, Department of Justice Detailed Department Overview, p. 3 available at <https://ebudget.com.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/GovernorsBudget/0100/0820.pdf> as of [Jun. 19, 2023].)
The Governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget funds $10 million for grants for education, testing, recovery, and support services; $4 million to make test strips more available; and, $3.5 million for overdose medication for all middle and high schools. (Governor Newsom, Governor’s Budget Summary 2023-24, p. 69 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2023-24/pdf/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf> as of [Jun. 19, 2023].) In addition, the May Revision to the 2023-24 budget allocates $141.3 million in Opioid Settlement Funds over four years for the Naloxone Distribution Project, and another $30 million in one-time Opioid Settlement Funds to support the development of a lower cost generic Naloxone nasal spray. (Governor Newsom, May Revision to the California State Budget 2023-24, p. 60 available at <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2023-24/pdf/Revised/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf> as of [Jun. 19, 2023].)
The Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis also includes $30 million to expand California National Guard’s work to prevent drug-trafficking transnational criminal organizations. The Governor has additionally allocated $40.8 million for an education and awareness campaign to establish partnerships and create messaging and education tools for parents and educators as well as $23 million for substance use disorder workforce grants to develop substance use disorder training for non-behavioral health professionals working with children and youth. (Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis (Mar. 2023) available at <https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fentanyl-Opioids-Glossy-Plan_3.20.23.pdf?emrc=86c07e> [as of Jun. 19, 2023].)
- Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force
In order to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis, this bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to do a number of things, including collect data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in the state, identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in the state, measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional or unintentional consumption of fentanyl, evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse, analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, among other things. The task force includes 27 members, including the Attorney General, State Public Health Officer, Director of the Department of Health Care Services, representatives of law enforcement organizations, representatives of specified medical and health-related associations, an individual in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse, and representatives of organizations that provide services to homeless individuals and individuals who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, among others.
This bill requires the task force’s first meeting to be held no later than March 1, 2024 and requires the task force to meet at least once every two months. The task force is required to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025, and a final report must be submitted on or before July 1, 2025. This bill sunsets on January 1, 2026 and contains an urgency clause.
This bill is substantially similar to a bill this committee passed on March 14, 2023. SB 19 (Seyarto) would create the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force, a 22-member task force made up of many of the same or similar types of representatives as those found in AB 33. Many of the responsibilities of the task force outlined in AB 33 are shared by those in the SB 19 task force. Both task forces also have the same deadline for submitting a final report to the Governor and Legislature.
-- END --
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 33
Author:(Bains)
As Amended Ver:May 18, 2023
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Establishes, subject to an appropriation by the Legislature, the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force (Task Force) to undertake specified duties relating to fentanyl abuse.
COMMENTS
- Controlled Substances. Certain drugs are classified under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) into one of five schedules. Placement in a given schedule depends on whether a drug has a currently accepted medical use, its relative abuse potential, and its likelihood of causing either addiction or physical dependency when abused. Most opioid analgesics are Schedule II drugs, in that they have a recognized medical use, but also have a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and/or physical dependence. The CSA places a number of restrictions on prescribers and pharmacies that dispense controlled substances like opioids. For example, refills are not permitted and a new written prescription must be presented each time the drug is dispensed. Fentanyl is currently classified as Schedule II. California's Uniform Controlled Substances Ace very closely mirrors the Federal CSA related to drug/opioid classification.
- Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. First developed in 1959, it was introduced in the 1960's as an intravenous anesthetic. Fentanyl is legally manufactured and distributed in the United States; however, there are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Most recently, cases of fentanyl-related overdoses are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl that is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the CDC, only three states, California, Illinois, and Virginia experienced a statistically significant change in overdose death rates involving synthetic opioids from 2016 to 2017. Eighteen states reflected no statistically significant change in overdose deaths and 25 states plus the District of Columbia remained stable. In stark contrast, the 2019-2020 figures reflect that 40 states and the District of Columbia experienced a statistically significant increase in opioid related deaths while only four states did not have a significant increase and only seven states remained stable.
- Fentanyl in California. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in California. In 2021, fentanyl was involved in over 83% of the 7,175 opioid related deaths. The number of deaths each year involving fentanyl increased dramatically between 2012 and 2021. During this time period fentanyl related overdose deaths increased by more than 7,250% from 82 to 5,961 in 2021.
- Statewide Overdose Safety Workgroup (SOSW). The SOSW was established in 2014 by the Department of Public Health (DPH) to address the emerging public health issue of opioid use, misuse, addiction and related overdoses in partnership with departments and agencies representing diverse sectors. Currently, the SOSW continues to serve as a vehicle to enhance the coordination and alignment among state organizations on overdose prevention strategies, activities, and messages. The SOSW is not codified in statute.
According to DPH, while the SOSW's initial focus was on prescription opioids, in recent years as the overdose epidemic escalated and continued to change, the workgroup has included fentanyl. The SOSW developed the "Responding to a Fentanyl Overdose: What California First Responders Need to Know" fact sheet with information designed for first responders who may encounter fentanyl on the job. The SOSW's treatment sub-group has also identified fentanyl as a high priority item to address moving forward, although planning remains underway.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI) of DPH addresses fentanyl prevention and surveillance. These public health efforts can help inform the future direction and activities of the SOSW. The DPH OPI:
- Tracks fatal and non-fatal overdoses related to fentanyl and shares this information via the "California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard" and program website;
- Funds 22 Opioid Safety Coalitions. In response to the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, coalitions distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and develop and disseminate fentanyl awareness communication and outreach materials;
- Maintains a fentanyl webpage that contains information and resources on the dangers of fentanyl; and,
- Effective October 17, 2022, DPH's, Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch, began soliciting bids via a Request for Proposals from media agencies in order to award a contract to develop a statewide Opioid Overdose Prevention and Education Media Campaign.
When providing technical assistance on AB 1673 (Seyarto) of 2022, which would have also created an Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force, DPH stated that an overlap, not a duplication of efforts, exists between the proposed responsibilities of the Task Force outlined in both AB 1673 and this bill and the ongoing strategies of the SOSW, such as strengthening statewide collaboration and promoting public education and awareness. There are additional responsibilities of the Task Force that are not supported by the current SOSW, such as prosecuting persons engaged in the illegal sale and trafficking of fentanyl. The Task Force would focus specifically on fentanyl while the SOSW currently addresses opioids more broadly. Therefore, the Task Force would be able to further the state's work by examining and providing recommendations to state leadership on fentanyl-related issues from a coordinated, collaborative, and multisector approach. Depending on the composition of the individuals on the Task Force, there may be an overlap between the membership rosters. There are others identified as Task Force members that are not currently represented on the SOSW (e.g., person in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse; California District Attorney's Association; or local law enforcement). DPH concluded that as an identified Task Force member and convener of the SOSW, they could connect and leverage expertise and resources between the two groups, as deemed appropriate.
According to the Author
Fentanyl addiction is a serious public safety and public health issue that requires an organized response. Establishing a Task Force that is dedicated to combating fentanyl addiction and death is essential. This Task Force will bring together law enforcement, public health officials, and healthcare providers to coordinate an effective response to the problem. The Task Force will focus on a number of different strategies, including increasing access to overdose-reversing drugs, improving substance use disorder treatment and recovery support, and crafting strategies to reduce the availability of illicit fentanyl. Working with law enforcement and public health officials, the Task Force can monitor drug distribution and develop strategies to prevent the use, manufacture, and distribution of illicit fentanyl. The author concludes that in order to combat the fentanyl epidemic, it is essential to establish a Task Force that is dedicated to this cause. By focusing on strategies to reduce the availability of fentanyl and increase public awareness, the Task Force can help to reduce the devastating impact that fentanyl is having on our communities.
Arguments in Support
The Association of California Healthcare Districts, (ACHD) in a support position states that fentanyl overdoses are killing 200 Americans every day. In 2019 and 2020, fentanyl was the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18-45. This bill creates a dedicated task force of experts from public safety, medical, governing, and public health backgrounds that will create a multisector approach to combatting the fentanyl crisis. The task force will collaborate to create strategies that increase access to overdose-reversing drugs, increase public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, improve substance use disorder treatment, and reduce the availability of fentanyl. ACHD concludes by stating that healthcare districts understand firsthand the critical importance of addressing the fentanyl crisis comprehensively and that this bill is one solution.
Arguments in Support if Amended
The County Health Executives Association of California, in a support if amended position, seeks the addition of a local health department representative to the Task Force.
Arguments in Opposition
According to the San Francisco Public Defender's Office (SFPDO), in opposition states that the Task Force is unnecessary because decades of research advocating for evidence-based, public health solutions already exists. In concluding SFPDO states that instead of the creation of another task force with heavy law enforcement leadership and involvement, we must implement, fund, and increase access to evidence-based solutions and resources. Such solutions and resources include housing, job training, healthcare, education, syringe services programs, naloxone training and distribution, drug checking services, and supervised injection sites—enabling service providers to meet people who use drugs where they are, address the immediate harms they face, and build trust that can support their overall and long-term health.
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, a General Fund (GF) cost pressure to the Department of Justices of $2.6 million in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, $4.6 million in FY 2024-25, and $2.5 million in FY 2025-26. Additionally, there is a GF cost pressure in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Office of the Surgeon General to employ a program analyst to attend, manage, and staff the Task Force, and to develop the interim and final legislative report.
VOTES
ASM HEALTH: 14-0-1
YES: Wood, Waldron, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Boerner Horvath, Flora, Vince Fong, Maienschein, McCarty, Joe Patterson, Rodriguez, Santiago, Villapudua, Weber
ABS, ABST OR NV: Wendy Carrillo
ASM PUBLIC SAFETY: 8-0-0
YES: Jones-Sawyer, Alanis, Bonta, Bryan, Lackey, Ortega, Santiago, Zbur
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1
YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega
ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas
UPDATED
VERSION: May 18, 2023
CONSULTANT: Judith Babcock / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097 FN: 0000848
Date of Hearing: May 17, 2023
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Chris Holden, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 33
Author:(Bains) – As Amended Ver:May 2, 2023
Policy Committee: | Health | Vote: | 14 - 0 |
Public Safety | 8 - 0 | ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force, co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Surgeon General or their designees, to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse, including, among others, collecting data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse, as specified. The bill requires the task force to submit an interim report and a final report to the Governor and the Legislature.
FISCAL EFFECT:
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) expects General Fund costs of $2.6 million in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, $4.6 million in FY 2024-25, and $2.5 million in FY 2025-26. DOJ states several divisions within DOJ would have responsibilities for implementing this bill. DOJ notes it would need to delay implementation of this bill and the due dates for the interim and final reports for six months.
- General Fund costs in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) to employ a program analyst to attend, manage, and staff the task force, and to develop the interim and final legislative report. OSG also notes additional, indeterminate costs for reimbursement of travel expenses, which may be provided at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the task force; unknown, indeterminate cost pressures for existing staff to participate in the task force; and indeterminate cost pressures to implement the recommendations set forth by the workgroup.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author:
Fentanyl addiction is a serious public safety and public health issue that requires an organized response. Establishing a task force that is dedicated to combating fentanyl addiction and death is essential. This task force should bring together law enforcement, public health officials, and healthcare providers to coordinate an effective response to the problem. The task force will focus on a number of different strategies, including increasing access to overdose-reversing drugs, improving substance use disorder treatment and recovery support, and crafting strategies to reduce the availability of illicit fentanyl. Working with law enforcement and public health officials, the task force can monitor drug distribution and develop strategies to prevent the use, manufacture, and distribution of illicit fentanyl. The task force can also work to raise public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as connect people with substance use disorder treatment and recovery support. Public education campaigns should be continued and expanded to help inform the public about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as provide resources for those who are struggling with addiction. In order to combat the fentanyl epidemic, it is essential to establish a task force that is dedicated to this cause. By focusing on strategies to reduce the availability of fentanyl and increase public awareness, the task force can help to reduce the devastating impact that fentanyl is having on our communities.
- Duplication of Efforts. The state’s 2022-23 budget included $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within DOJ to help tackle the fentanyl crisis. The task force includes 25 new positions within DOJ to support those efforts. This bill would require the DOJ to provide staff and support for a separate task force, which could result in some duplication of effort. Building on the 2022-23 budget, the governor’s May Revision of the 2023-24 proposed budget allocates $141.3 million in fentanyl- and opioid-related spending over the next four years.
The Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis also includes $30 million to expand California National Guard’s work to prevent drug-trafficking transnational criminal organizations and $15 million over two years to establish and operate the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within the Department of Justice to combat manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking. The Governor’s Master Plan also allocates $40.8 million for an education and awareness campaign to establish partnerships and create messaging and education tools for parents and educators, and $23 million for substance use disorder workforce grants to develop substance use disorder training for non-behavioral health professionals working with children and youth.
Analysis Prepared by: Allegra Kim / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 27, 2023
Counsel: Liah Burnley
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON
Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr., Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:
Author:() – As Ver:
As Proposed to be Amended in Committee
SUMMARY:
Establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force. Specifically, this bill:
- Provides that the task force shall do the following, to the extent feasible:
- Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California;
- Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California;
- Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl;
- Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse;
- Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse;
- Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, develop policy recommendations on the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce fentanyl overdoses, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl;
- Develop model treatment protocols for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications;
- Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl addicted to fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse, which may include, without limitation, overdose prevention centers, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and access to overdose reversal treatment; and,
- Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
- Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California;
- Requires the task force to be co-chaired by the Attorney General (AG) and the Surgeon General (SG) or their designees.
- States that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Surgeon General shall provide staff and support for the task force, to the extent that resources are available.
- Provides that the task force shall be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
- The AG;
- The SG;
- The Director of the State Department of Public Health;
- The Director of the State Department of Health Care Services;
- The Director of the California Department of Social Services;
- The Director of the California Health and Human Services Department;
- One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee;
- One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly;
- The Chairperson of the Judicial Council of California;
- One representative from the California District Attorneys Association;
- One representative from the California Public Defenders Association;
- One representative from the State Department of Education;
- One representative from the California Hospital Association;
- One representative from the California Medical Association;
- One representative from the County Health Executives Association of California;
- One representative from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association;
- One representative from a local health department, appointed by the Governor;
- Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol;
- One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine that is a mental health professional;
- One representatives in recovery from fentanyl abuse, appointed by the Governor;
- One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor;
- One representative from an organization that provides services to homeless individuals experiencing fentanyl addiction or abuse, one representative from an organization that provides services to individuals with substance use disorders, and one representative from an organization that serves persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor; and,
- One representative from an organization that provides services to youths relating to substance abuse.
- The AG;
- States that, whenever possible, members of the task force shall have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
- Requires the task force to meet at least once every two months and for the meetings to be open to the public.
- Requires, on or before July 1, 2025, the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.
- Requires, on or before or before January 1, 2025, the task force to submit an interim report to the Governor and the Legislature.
- Defines “fentanyl abuse” as the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
- Provides that these provisions remain effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date are repealed.
EXISTING LAW:
- Lists controlled substances in five “schedules” - intended to list drugs in decreasing order of harm and increasing medical utility or safety - and provides penalties for possession of and commerce in controlled substances. Schedule I includes the most serious and heavily controlled substances, with Schedule V being the least serious and most lightly controlled substances. (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 11054-11058.)
- Lists fentanyl on Schedule II. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11055.)
- Provides that a person who possesses any controlled substance, as specified, unless upon a valid prescription, shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, unless that person has had one or more prior convictions, as specified. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11350.)
- Provides for two, three, or four years imprisonment for the possession for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale any controlled substance, as specified, or any controlled substances classified in Schedule III, IV, or V which is a narcotic drug. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351.)
- Provides for three, four, or five years imprisonment for drug trafficking of any controlled substance, as specified, or any controlled substance classified in Schedule III, IV, or V which is a narcotic drug, unless upon a written prescription by a licensed medical provider. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352.)
- States that in addition to the term of imprisonment provided by law for persons convicted of violating specified drug offenses, including possession, the trial court may impose a fine not exceeding $20,000 for each offense. (Health & Saf. Code, § 11372, subd. (a).)
- Commits the state to reinvesting criminal justice resources to support community corrections programs and evidence-based practices that will achieve improved public safety returns on the state’s substantial investment in its criminal justice system. (Pen. Code, § 3450, subd. (b)(4).)
FISCAL EFFECT:
Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Author's Statement: According to the author, “Fentanyl addiction is a serious public safety and public health issue that requires an organized response. Establishing a task force that is dedicated to combating fentanyl addiction and death is essential. This task force should bring together law enforcement, public health officials, and healthcare providers to coordinate an effective response to the problem. The task force will focus on a number of different strategies, including increasing access to overdose-reversing drugs, improving substance use disorder treatment and recovery support, and crafting strategies to reduce the availability of illicit fentanyl. Working with law enforcement and public health officials, the task force can monitor drug distribution and develop strategies to prevent the use, manufacture, and distribution of illicit fentanyl. The task force can also work to raise public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as connect people with substance use disorder treatment and recovery support. Public education campaigns should be continued and expanded to help inform the public about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as provide resources for those who are struggling with addiction. In order to combat the fentanyl epidemic, it is essential to establish a task force that is dedicated to this cause. By focusing on strategies to reduce the availability of fentanyl and increase public awareness, the task force can help to reduce the devastating impact that fentanyl is having on our communities.”
- Fentanyl in California: In California, the number deaths involving fentanyl has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 2012 and 2018, fentanyl overdose deaths increased by more than 800%– from 82 to 786. (CDPH, Overdose Prevention Initiative (Dec. 6, 2022) <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/PrescriptionDrugOverdoseProgram.aspx?msclkid=99f1af92b9e411ec97e3e1fe58cde884> [April 20, 2023].) In 2021, there were 5,961 deaths related to fentanyl overdoses. (CDPH, California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard <https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/> [April 20, 2023].) The impetus of this bill is to reduce overdose deaths by establishing a task force to examine the adequacy of the state’s efforts in preventing fentanyl misuse.
- Duplication of Efforts – The State Opioid Task Force: The state’s 2022-23 budget included $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund the Fentanyl Task Force within DOJ to help tackle the fentanyl crisis. (Governor’s Budget Summary – 2023-24 at p. 117 <https://ebudget.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/Enacted/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf> [April 20, 2023].) The task force includes 25 new positions within DOJ to support those efforts. (Ibid.) This bill would require the DOJ to provide staff and support for a separate task force, which could result in some duplication of effort.
Building on the 2022-23 Budget, the State’s 2023-24 allocates additional funding to combat fentanyl abuse. The budget allocates $93 million over the next four years, including $79 million for Naloxone distribution projects; $10 million for grants for education, testing, recovery, and support services; $4 million to make test strips more available; and, $3.5 million for overdose medication for all middle and high schools. (Governor’s Budget Summary – 2023-24 at p. 69 <https://ebudget.ca.gov/FullBudgetSummary.pdf> [April 20, 2023].)
The Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis also includes $30 million to expand California National Guard’s work to prevent drug-trafficking transnational criminal organizations and $15 million over two years to establish and operate the Fentanyl Enforcement Program within the Department of Justice to combat manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking. To the extent this bill requires the task force to conduct a public awareness campaign, the Governor has allocated $40.8 million education and awareness campaign to establish partnerships an create messaging and education tools for parents and educators and $23 million substance use disorder workforce grants to develop substance use disorder training for non-behavioral health professionals working with children and youth. (Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis <https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fentanyl-Opioids-Glossy-Plan_3.20.23.pdf?emrc=86c07e> [April 20, 2023].)
- Argument in Support: According to the California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA), “Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Most recently, cases of fentanyl-related overdoses are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl that is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.
“It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in California. In 2021, fentanyl was involved in over 83% of the 7,175 opioid-related deaths. The number of deaths each year involving fentanyl increased dramatically between 2012 and 2021. During this time period fentanyl related overdose deaths increased by more than 7,250% from 82 to 5,961 in 2021.
“For these reasons, CSSA is pleased to support Assembly Bill 33, which would create the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force to evaluate the nature of fentanyl abuse in California and to develop policy recommendations for addressing it.”
- Argument in Opposition: According to the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, “the task force requires members of the task force to include one representative from the California District Attorneys Association and three representatives from law enforcement, among others.
“The Task Force is unnecessary because we already have decades of research advocating for evidence-based, public health solutions. Instead of the creation of another task force with heavy law enforcement leadership and involvement, we must implement, fund, and increase access to evidence-based solutions and resources. Such solutions and resources include housing, job training, healthcare, education, syringe services programs, naloxone training and distribution, drug checking services, and supervised injection sites—enabling service providers to meet people who use drugs where they are, address the immediate harms they face, and build trust that can support their overall and long-term health.” - Related Legislation:
- AB 462 (Ramos), would establish the Overdose Response Team Fund within the State Treasury, to be administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections, for grants to fund efforts by county sheriffs’ departments to establish overdose response teams to investigate fatal overdoses. AB 462 is pending hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
- AB 474 (Rodriguez), would requires the State Threat Assessment Center and the California Office of Emergency Services to prioritize, to the greatest extent possible, cooperation with state and local efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks trafficking opioid drugs that pose a threat to California. AB 474 will be heard by this Committee today.
- SB 19 (Seyarto), would create the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to evaluate the nature and extent fentanyl abuse in California and to develop policy recommendations for addressing it. SB 19 is pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
- AB 462 (Ramos), would establish the Overdose Response Team Fund within the State Treasury, to be administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections, for grants to fund efforts by county sheriffs’ departments to establish overdose response teams to investigate fatal overdoses. AB 462 is pending hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
- Prior Legislation:
- AB 1673 (Seyarto), of the 2021-2022 Legislative Session, would have created the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to evaluate the nature extent of fentanyl abuse in California and to develop policy recommendations for addressing it. AB 1673 failed passage in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
- AB 2365 (Patterson), Chapter 783, Statutes of 2022, requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to, upon appropriation, establish a grant program to reduce fentanyl overdoses and use throughout the state by giving out six one-time grants to increase local efforts in education, testing, recovery, and support services, as specified.
- SB 1395 (Bates), of the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, would have required the AG to establish and chair the Southern California Fentanyl Task Force to develop information, make recommendations, and report findings to the DOJ and to the Legislature regarding matters relating to the fentanyl crisis in southern California communities. SB 1395 was held in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
- AB 186 (Eggman), of the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, would have authorized the City and County of San Francisco to approve entities to operate an overdose prevention program for adults supervised by healthcare professionals or other trained staff where people can safely use drugs and get access to referrals to addiction treatment. AB 186 was vetoed.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Arcadia Police Officers' Association
Burbank Police Officers' Association
California Hospital Association
California Police Chiefs Association
California State Sheriffs' Association
City of Downey
Claremont Police Officers Association
Corona Police Officers Association
Culver City Police Officers' Association
Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Monterey County
Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council
Fullerton Police Officers' Association
League of California Cities
Murrieta Police Officers' Association
Newport Beach Police Association
Palos Verdes Police Officers Association
Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association
Pomona Police Officers' Association
Riverside Police Officers Association
Riverside Sheriffs' Association
Santa Ana Police Officers Association
Upland Police Officers Association
1 Private Individual
Oppose
San Francisco Public Defender
Analysis Prepared by:
Date of Hearing: March 21, 2023
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
Jim Wood, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 33
Author:(Bains) – As Amended Ver:March 9, 2023
SUBJECT: Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
SUMMARY: Establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force (Task Force) to undertake specified duties relating to fentanyl abuse. Specifically, this bill:
- Establishes the Task Force, to the extent feasible, to do the following:
- Collect and organize data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California;
- Identify and assess sources and drivers of legal and illicit fentanyl activity in California;
- Measure and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the state’s education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts in preventing fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, including the prosecution of persons engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl;
- Evaluate approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse;
- Analyze existing statutes for their adequacy in addressing fentanyl abuse and, if the analysis determines that those statutes are inadequate, recommend revisions to those statutes or the enactment of new statutes that specifically define and address fentanyl abuse;
- Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse and death from the intentional use of fentanyl or the unintentional use of illicit substances containing fentanyl, protect and assist persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal manufacture, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl;
- Develop model treatment protocols for medication assisted treatment (MAT) of fentanyl addiction and abuse, including, but not limited to, the prescription of buprenorphine and other medications;
- Recommend strategies to increase the ability and willingness of the medical community to treat fentanyl addiction and abuse, including identifying barriers to accessing medical care, biases within the medical community against people addicted to fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, and legal, regulatory, and practical hurdles in the delivery of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other medical strategies critical in the treatment of fentanyl addiction and abuse; and,
- Assess gaps in federal, state, and local resources to address fentanyl addiction and abuse.
- Requires the Task Force be cochaired by the Attorney General (AG) and the Surgeon General (SG) or their designees. Requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Surgeon General to provide staff and support for the Task Force, to the extent that resources are available.
- Provides that the members of the Task Force serve at the pleasure of their respective appointing authority. Allows for reimbursement of necessary expenses at the discretion of the respective appointing authority or agency participating in the Task Force. Requires the Task Force to be comprised of the following representatives or their designees:
- The AG;
- The SG;
- The Director of the State Department of Public Health (DPH);
- The Director of the State Department of Health Care Services;
- One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee;
- One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly;
- One representative from the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA);
- One representative from the State Department of Education;
- One representative from the California Hospital Association;
- One representative from the California Medical Association;
- Three representatives of law enforcement, one selected by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, one selected by the California Police Chiefs Association, and one selected by the Department of the California Highway Patrol;
- One representative from the California Society of Addiction Medicine;
- Two representatives from community organizations that serve persons who misuse fentanyl and other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl, appointed by the Governor; and,
- One representative from a federally qualified health center, appointed by the Governor.
- Provides that whenever possible, members of the Task Force will have experience providing services to persons who misuse fentanyl or other illicit substances that may contain fentanyl or have knowledge of fentanyl abuse issues.
- Requires the Task Force to meet at least once every two months. Allows subcommittees to be formed and meet as necessary. Requires all meetings to be open to the public. Requires the first meeting of the Task Force to be held no later than March 1, 2024.
- Requires that on or before July 1, 2025, the Task Force report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the AG, and the Legislature. Provides that at the request of any member, the report may include minority findings and recommendations.
- Requires that on or before January 1, 2025, the Task Force submit an interim report to the Governor, the AG, and the Legislature.
- Requires that a report submitted under 7) above comply with existing reporting requirements.
- Defines “fentanyl abuse” to mean the use of fentanyl or products containing fentanyl in a manner or with a frequency that negatively impacts one or more areas of physical, mental, or emotional health.
- Sunsets the provisions of this bill on January 1, 2026.
EXISTING LAW:
- Classifies controlled substances under the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CUCSA), into five schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. Classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. [Health & Safety Code (HSC), §11054-11058]
- Provides that a person who possesses any controlled substance, as specified, unless upon a valid prescription, be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, unless that person has had one or more prior convictions, as specified. [HSC §11350]
- Provides for two, three, or four years imprisonment for the possession for sale or purchasing for purposes of sale any controlled substance, as specified, or any controlled substances classified in Schedule III, IV, or V which is a narcotic drug. [HSC §11351]
- Provides for three, four, or five years imprisonment for drug trafficking of any controlled substance, as specified, or any controlled substance classified in Schedule III, IV, or V which is a narcotic drug, unless upon a written prescription by a licensed medical provider. [HSC
§11352]
- Permits a trial court, addition to the term of imprisonment provided by law for persons convicted of violating specified drug offenses, including possession, to impose a fine not exceeding $20,000 for each offense. [HSC §11372 (a)]
- Requires a local health officer to assume that the fentanyl manufacturing process has led to some degree of chemical contamination and to take action, as prescribed, if a fentanyl laboratory activity has taken place at a property. [HSC § 25400.17]
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill has not yet been analyzed by a fiscal committee.
COMMENTS:
- PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. According to the author, fentanyl addiction is a serious public safety and public health issue that requires an organized response. Establishing a Task Force that is dedicated to combating fentanyl addiction and death is essential. This Task Force will bring together law enforcement, public health officials, and healthcare providers to coordinate an effective response to the problem. The Task Force will focus on a number of different strategies, including increasing access to overdose-reversing drugs, improving substance use disorder treatment and recovery support, and crafting strategies to reduce the availability of illicit fentanyl. Working with law enforcement and public health officials, the Task Force can monitor drug distribution and develop strategies to prevent the use, manufacture, and distribution of illicit fentanyl. The author concludes that in order to combat the fentanyl epidemic, it is essential to establish a Task Force that is dedicated to this cause. By focusing on strategies to reduce the availability of fentanyl and increase public awareness, the Task Force can help to reduce the devastating impact that fentanyl is having on our communities.
- BACKGROUND.
- Controlled Substances. Certain drugs are classified under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) into one of five schedules. Placement in a given schedule depends on whether a drug has a currently accepted medical use, its relative abuse potential, and its likelihood of causing either addiction or physical dependency when abused. Most opioid analgesics are Schedule II drugs, in that they have a recognized medical use, but also have a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and/or physical dependence. The CSA places a number of restrictions on prescribers and pharmacies that dispense controlled substances like opioids. For example, refills are not permitted and a new written prescription must be presented each time the drug is dispensed. Fentanyl is currently classified as Schedule II. CUCSA very closely mirrors the Federal CSA related to drug/opioid classification.
- Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. First developed in 1959, it was introduced in the 1960’s as an intravenous anesthetic. Fentanyl is legally manufactured and distributed in the United States; however, there are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Most recently, cases of fentanyl-related overdoses are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl that is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the CDC, only three states, California, Illinois, and Virginia experienced a statistically significant change in overdose death rates involving synthetic opioids from 2016 to 2017. Eighteen states reflected no statistically significant change in overdose deaths and 25 states plus the District of Columbia had remained stable. In stark contrast, the 2019-2020 figures reflect that 40 states and the District of Columbia experienced a statistically significant increase in opioid related deaths while only four states did not have a significant increase and only seven states remained stable. - Fentanyl in California. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in California. In 2021, fentanyl was involved in over 83% of the 7,175 opioid related deaths. The number of deaths each year involving fentanyl increased dramatically between 2012 and 2021. During this time period fentanyl related overdose deaths increased by more than 7,250% from 82 to 5,961 in 2021.
- Statewide Overdose Safety Workgroup (SOSW). The SOSW was established in 2014 by the Director of the DPH to address the emerging public health issue of opioid use, misuse, addiction and related overdoses in partnership with departments and agencies representing diverse sectors. Currently, the SOSW continues to serve as a vehicle to enhance the coordination and alignment among state organizations on overdose prevention strategies, activities, and messages. The SOSW is not codified in statute.
According to DPH, while the SOSW’s initial focus was on prescription opioids, in recent years as the overdose epidemic escalated and continued to change, the workgroup has included fentanyl. The SOSW developed the “Responding to a Fentanyl Overdose: What California First Responders Need to Know” fact sheet with information designed for first responders who may encounter fentanyl on the job. The SOSW’s treatment sub-group has also identified fentanyl as a high priority item to address moving forward, although planning remains underway.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI) of DPH addresses fentanyl prevention and surveillance. These public health efforts can help inform the future direction and activities of the SOSW. The DPH OPI:- Tracks fatal and non-fatal overdoses related to fentanyl and shares this information via the “California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard” and program website;
- Funds 22 Opioid Safety Coalitions. In response to the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, coalitions distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and develop and disseminate fentanyl awareness communication and outreach materials;
- Maintains a fentanyl webpage that contains information and resources on the dangers of fentanyl; and,
- Effective October 17, 2022, DPH’s, Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch, began soliciting bids via a Request for Proposals from media agencies in order to award a contract to develop a statewide Opioid Overdose Prevention and Education Media Campaign.
When providing technical assistance on AB 1673 (Seyarto) of 2022, which would have also created an Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force, DPH stated that an overlap, not a duplication of efforts, exists between the proposed responsibilities of the Task Force outlined in both AB 1673 and this bill and the ongoing strategies of the SOSW, such as strengthening statewide collaboration and promoting public education and awareness. There are additional responsibilities of the Task Force that are not supported by the current SOSW, such as prosecuting persons engaged in the illegal sale and trafficking of fentanyl. The Task Force would focus specifically on fentanyl while the SOSW currently addresses opioids more broadly. Therefore, the Task Force would be able to further the state’s work by examining and providing recommendations to state leadership on fentanyl-related issues from a coordinated, collaborative, and multisector approach. Depending on the composition of the individuals on the Task Force, there may be an overlap between the membership rosters. There are others identified as Task Force members that are not currently represented on the SOSW (e.g., person in recovery from fentanyl or opioid abuse; CDAA; or local law enforcement). DPH concluded that as an identified Task Force member and convener of the SOSW, they could connect and leverage expertise and resources between the two groups, as deemed appropriate.
- SUPPORT. The Association of California Healthcare Districts, (ACHD) in a support position states that fentanyl overdoses are killing 200 Americans every day. In 2019 and 2020, fentanyl was the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18-45. This bill creates a dedicated task force of experts from public safety, medical, governing, and public health backgrounds that will create a multisector approach to combatting the fentanyl crisis. The task force will collaborate to create strategies that increase access to overdose-reversing drugs, increase public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, improve SUD treatment, and reduce the availability of fentanyl. ACHD concludes by stating that healthcare districts understand firsthand the critical importance of addressing the fentanyl crisis comprehensively and that this bill is one solution.
- SUPPORT IF AMENDED. The County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC) in a support if amended position states that the Task Force will be charged with collecting and analyzing data on fentanyl abuse in California, evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse, and developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent fentanyl abuse, among other duties. CHEAC states that local health departments can offer expertise implementing prevention and education programs on opioids as well as fentanyl. As an example, one jurisdiction implemented a vending machine network, placing four vending machines throughout their county to provide residents with preventative health and harm reduction items such as sharps containers, naloxone, and fentanyl testing strips. In concluding CHEAC requests the bill be amended to specifically add a local health department representative to the Task Force.
- RELATED LEGISLATION.
- AB 1058 (Jim Patterson) increases penalties for possession for the purposes of sale and for transportation and sale of a controlled substance if the controlled substance involved was more than 28.35 grams of fentanyl, more than 28.35 grams of an analog of fentanyl, a substance containing more than 28.35 grams of fentanyl, or a substance containing more than 28.35 grams of an analog of fentanyl. AB 1058 is pending hearing in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
- SB 19 (Seyarto) is similar to this bill and upon appropriation by the Legislature, would establish the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to undertake various duties relating to fentanyl abuse including, collecting and organizing data on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. Requires the SB 19 task force to be chaired by the AG, or their designee, and would specify the membership of the SB 19 task force. SB 19 is pending hearing in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
- SB 44 (Umberg) requires a person who is convicted of, or who pleads guilty or no contest to possession for sale or purchase for the purpose of sale, transport, sell, furnish, administer, give away, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, derive, process or prepare various controlled substances, including fentanyl, 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. SB 44 is pending hearing in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
- PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
- AB 1673, similar to this bill, would have created the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to evaluate the nature extent of fentanyl abuse in California and to develop policy recommendations for addressing it. AB 1673 died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
- AB 2365 (Patterson), Chapter 783, Statutes of 2022, requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to, upon appropriation, establish a grant program to reduce fentanyl overdoses and use throughout the state by giving out six one-time grants to increase local efforts in education, testing, recovery, and support services, as specified.
- SB 1053 (Bates) of 2022 would have defined great bodily injury to include a person who sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away a controlled substance whenever the person sold, furnished, administered, or given the controlled substance suffers from great bodily injury from using the controlled substance. SB 1053 was held in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
- SB 1060 (Bates) of 2022 would have imposed an additional sentence term upon a person who is convicted of a violation of, or of a conspiracy to violate, specified provisions of law with respect to a substance containing either fentanyl or oxycodone, if the substance exceeds a specified weight. Would have prohibited the court from imposing those additional penalties unless there are circumstances in aggravation to support that additional punishment. SB 1060 was held in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
- AB 2467 (Patterson) of 2017 would have punished the possession, sale, or purchase for sale of fentanyl by imprisonment in a county jail for four, five or six years, the transportation, importation, sale, furnishing, administering, or giving away of fentanyl by imprisonment in a county jail for seven, eight of nine years, and the trafficking of fentanyl by imprisonment in a county jail for seven, 10, or 13 years. AB 2467 failed passage in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
- SB 1395 (Bates) of 2020 would have required the AG to establish and chair the Southern California Fentanyl Task Force (SCFTF). Would have required the SCFTF to develop information, make recommendations, and report findings to the DOJ and to the Legislature regarding matters relating to the fentanyl crisis in southern California communities. SB 1395 was held in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
- DOUBLE REFERRAL. This bill is double referred; upon passage in this Committee, this bill will be referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Association of California Healthcare Districts
California Association of Highway Patrolmen
Peace Officer Research Association of California
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Judith Babcock / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Assembly Floor
1MIN
Senate Floor
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
2MIN
Assembly Floor
15MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
9MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Health
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
