CA Republicans push for floor vote on fentanyl bill.
California State Republicans Face Opposition in Effort to Address Fentanyl Crisis
With a fentanyl-related bill stalled in committee, California state Republican lawmakers sought an alternative solution on September 5th in Sacramento and tried to bring the matter directly to the Assembly floor—only to meet stiff resistance, with all but one Democratic member voting in opposition.
Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach), co-author of the proposal, expressed her disappointment after the floor vote, stating, “I’m greatly disappointed because it is evident to all Californians that we have a public health crisis with the toxic drug known as fentanyl.”
The entire process took less than two minutes, as Assemblyman Heath Flora (R-Lodi) moved, and Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) seconded to suspend procedural rules and move Assembly Constitutional Amendment 12—designed to advise those convicted of distributing fentanyl that such future activity leading to the death of another could result in murder charges—from the Assembly’s Rules Committee to the floor for immediate consideration.
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Assemblyman Isaac Bryan (D-Culver City) quickly rose in opposition and questioned the necessity of the Republican’s proposal. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Davis) confirmed the existence of several bills related to fentanyl that still needed to be addressed on the floor, and a roll call vote was called with no debate or discussion allowed.
The motion subsequently failed, with only Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) voting in favor. Assemblymember Dixon expressed her disappointment with the outcome and the lack of opportunity for opposing points of view to be heard on the Assembly floor.
ACA 12 was crafted to mirror the language of Senate Bill 44, also known as Alexandra’s Law, named after 20-year-old fentanyl poisoning victim Alexandra Capelouto. The bill aimed to advise those convicted of distributing fentanyl about the potential murder charges if their actions led to someone’s death. However, it has been stuck in the Assembly’s Rules Committee.
Assemblymember Dixon expressed frustration with the lack of progress, stating, “I’ve tried to talk with the chair of the committee and the speaker … and they just don’t want to move any kind of bill that would require accountability.”
While nine bills designed to strengthen penalties for fentanyl distribution were introduced in the Legislature this year, only one remains. Assembly Bill 701, authored by Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton), aims to add possession of one kilogram or more of fentanyl to the list of controlled substances that qualify for longer prison sentences.
Debates between lawmakers about how best to address the fentanyl crisis have stalled and watered down proposals, according to critics. Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), co-author of ACA 12, emphasized the need for action, stating, “Continued inaction on fentanyl is as outrageous as it is dangerous. This is unacceptable, and Sacramento should be ashamed.”
Opponents of the proposal prefer education and rehabilitation over punitive measures, but some argue that immediate action is necessary. Assemblymember Dixon highlighted the urgency of the situation, as thousands of Californians are losing their lives to fentanyl. She emphasized the need for compassion and understanding, stating, “Fentanyl knows no limits. It’s affecting our communities and victims’ families, and our Legislature has blinders on and refuses to act.”
The fight against fentanyl continues in California, with lawmakers grappling to find effective solutions to combat the crisis and save lives.
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