SW Riverside News

Senator Kelly Seyarto announced that SB 19, which establishes the California Fentanyl Task Force, has been signed into law. The task force aims to coordinate state and local resources to identify effective strategies for combating the fentanyl crisis. It will focus on public education, treatment options, preventative measures, and enhancing public safety.

The task force will include healthcare workers, law enforcement, public health agencies, and other stakeholders to take comprehensive action. "Bringing together groups of professionals that are on the front lines of the fentanyl epidemic will be invaluable in the fight against it," said Senator Seyarto. "Assembling this task force will help identify the tools we may need to keep our communities safe and hold those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of this illicit substance accountable."

In 2020, nearly 4,000 deaths in California were related to fentanyl overdose. By 2021, fentanyl overdose was recognized as the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45.

Previous legislative efforts have not produced concrete solutions. Last year, Senator Seyarto introduced a similar bill as an Assemblymember, but it did not advance out of committee. He emphasized the importance of reintroducing it this session to avoid losing another year in addressing this threat.

SB 19 passed through the legislature with bipartisan support and no opposition.