A bipartisan group of legislators unveiled a package last week to address the fentanyl crisis and retail crime.
Dubbed “Working Together for a Safer California,” the legislative package includes more than a dozen bills meant to increase access to drug treatment, add more tools for law enforcement to capture criminals and prosecute them, improve drug testing and treatment for people in the criminal justice system and more.
“This plan isn’t about catchy soundbites on fentanyl and crime — it’s about a sound approach to keeping our communities safe and improving the quality of life here in the Golden State,” said Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-North Coast.
“Unlike ever before, Democrats and Republicans are uniting to move the Senate’s bipartisan Safer California Plan forward, which will deploy desperately needed resources into communities to help combat the fentanyl epidemic and blunt the rising tide of theft and crime,” he said. “We’re working overtime to get this done.”
The legislative Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled its retail theft package last week, which included a bill from Assemblymember Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel, establishing a new felony offense for those who coerce minors into committing theft-related crimes.
Fentanyl legislation has not had the easiest time passing out of the California Legislature in recent years — public safety committees in both chambers were considered a “cemetery” for bills that create new crimes, enhance existing penalties or result in more incarceration, veteran Sacramento lobbyist Chris Micheli said last year during a particularly contentious time.
The tide may be shifting a bit. New Assembly Public Safety Committee Chair Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, says he wants to find a “balance” for the committee this year.
“I think what we realize is the status quo is not working. Flipside: Mass incarceration, the war on drugs really didn’t work two decades ago,” McCarty told CapRadio. “So we need to push things like drug treatment and other alternatives to focus on individual accountability. But I do think that we will see movement this year in this topic dealing with illegal drug use, specifically related to the fentanyl epidemic.”
While specific details of the plan are still being hammered out, the Senate’s “Safer California” package includes a few bills from Orange County senators, including:
• SB 909 from Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana: This bill would eliminate the cap on a loan repayment program that awards up to $105,000 to physicians who practice in medically underserved areas for 36 months. The idea, according to a bill description, is to alleviate physician shortages in underserved areas.
• SB 910 also from Umberg: Treatment court programs, under this bill, would be required to adopt statewide standards that include incentives and sanctions, such as improving drug testing and medication-assisted treatment for those in the criminal justice system, according to a bill description.
“I am happy to have been a part of the Senate’s working group on fentanyl for the past year,” said Umberg. “Sen. McGuire’s ability to bring us all together and lead on these solutions is truly impressive. As someone who has been involved in drug policy at every level throughout my career, I can assert that we are making progress here in California in terms of opioid addiction and fentanyl.”
• SB 1242 from Sen. Dave Min: Courts would impose higher penalties on those who start fires to engage in retail theft under this bill, per its description.
“Retail theft has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years with scenarios where arson is being used as a tactic to hide and distract from criminal activity,” Min said in a statement. “Enough is enough. I’m proud to author SB 1242 as part of a comprehensive strategy to hold criminals accountable while giving law enforcement the tools they need to successfully prosecute these heinous crimes that put both local communities and retailers at risk.”
• SB 1416 from Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton: This bill would increase penalties for professional organized retail theft offenders, which is particularly prevalent in large resale schemes, according to the bill description.
“I’m proud to be among the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus carrying legislation as part of the Safer California Plan, which offers strategic and evidence-based approaches to address some of the most pressing challenges facing California,” said Newman.
In other news
• In the wake of the controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that resulted in fertility clinics shuttering their services, Assembly Republicans on Friday put forth a resolution meant to protect access to in vitro fertilization services, or IVF, in California.
“In California, thousands of families rely on in-vitro fertilization to start a family,” said Davies. “Access to this crucial service should never be blocked or placed in danger. I am calling on leaders from both political parties to do what’s right for women, families and doctors. … In-vitro fertilization treatment should be protected at all costs.”
• The Assembly has a new committee — and it’s focused on happiness. Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, announced last week he’s leading the new Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes that will explore how the legislature and government can increase residents’ happiness. The committee, which includes Assemblymember Phillip Chen, R-Yorba Linda, will have its first informational hearing on March 12, Rendon’s office said.
• Sen. Catherine Blakespear, a Democrat who represents communities in southern Orange County, is behind a bill to increase affordable childcare options for military personnel. Her bill would let people certified by the U.S. Department of Defense provide childcare in their homes do so in California without needing a state license. According to a press release, other states including Alaska, Connecticut and Montana have similar waivers in place.
Source: Orange County Register
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