San Diego City Wire

With the legislative session nearing its conclusion, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones has formally requested an update from Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins regarding a fentanyl "workgroup" reportedly initiated earlier this year. In his letter, Jones emphasized the urgency of passing critical legislation like Senate Bill 44 to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis.

"As we enter the final weeks of the legislative session, we are running out of time to address the fentanyl crisis and pass SB 44," stated Leader Jones. He expressed readiness to collaborate with Pro Tem Atkins, Democratic colleagues, and Governor Gavin Newsom to ensure the bill's passage before the September 14 deadline.

The workgroup was announced by Pro Tem Atkins on May 9, 2023, during an interview with CBS 8 in San Diego. Despite repeated requests for updates from Senate Democratic leadership, no substantive information has been provided about its progress. Jones's letter seeks an official update on this matter.

Jones also urged action on Senate Bill 44, authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh and Senator Tom Umberg. The bipartisan bill aims to hold repeat fentanyl dealers accountable by requiring courts to inform convicted individuals that further offenses could lead to charges of voluntary manslaughter or murder.

Recent reports indicate nearly 6,000 Californians have died from fentanyl overdoses within a recent period. The drug is responsible for approximately 110 deaths in California each week.