SB 904 and AB 1750
Sacramento, CA –Senator Patricia C. Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) and Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) joined together in a coordinated effort to introduce identical measures to aid local communities in their struggle against controlled substances. SB 904 and AB 1750 will clarify and broaden the definition of education and treatment programs offered to divertees and probationers. Furthermore, the bills require the courts to recommend these same programs to inmates incarcerated for substance abuse related offenses. The District Attorney’s Office for San Diego and Riverside Counties are proud co-sponsors of the bills.
Senator Bates and Assemblymember Davies issued the following statements.
“The overwhelming volume of illegal substances pouring into our communities is responsible for taking the lives of thousands,” said Senator Bates. “On average, California experiences over 6,000 drug overdose deaths per year – 8.8% of the nation’s overdose deaths. To put it bluntly, we are in the middle of a crisis.”
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, California experienced an annual rate increase of 10.37% in overdose deaths over the last three years. For the year 2020, the California Department of Public Health reported 5,502 deaths related to any opioid overdose; 3,946 deaths related to fentanyl overdose; and 16,537 emergency department (ED) visits related to any opioid overdose.
“Because of this,” Bates went on to say, “I continue to spearhead efforts to interrupt the influx of illegal substances into our communities. To achieve this, however, education and treatment programs must be included in our approach. Unfortunately, the law is vague on what programs can be offered. SB 904 and AB 1750 will remove any confusion and instead encourage the continued use of these programs.”
“The key to any recovery plan for an individual battling substance abuse issues is to ensure they are given the proper treatment and education about the problem,” said Assemblywoman Davies. “It should be no different for people who have committed crimes involving controlled substances. AB 1750 & SB 904 will enhance our state’s mission of lowering recidivism rates of these individuals by strengthening the type of treatment programs divertees and probationers are allowed to take. Dangerous and addictive drugs are ever-present in our communities and the only way to beat this epidemic is to take a holistic approach with individuals struggling with these drugs and give them all the tools and education about the dangers these drugs pose to not only others, but themselves.”
Recognizing the benefits of education and treatment programs, various District Attorneys, including the sponsors, applauded the joint effort and thanked Senator Bates and Assemblymember Davies for their commitment to public safety:
“These bills will help people break the cycle of drug abuse through education and treatment and can prevent overdose deaths that have increased due to the surge in fentanyl. Requiring people convicted of a controlled substance offense and who are placed on probation to successfully complete these programs fills a gap that has existed for years. I’m grateful to Senator Bates and Assemblymember Davies for introducing this much-needed bill.” – Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney
“These bills are a much-needed step in the right direction. The fentanyl crisis is effecting every community in every county of California. It’s time for common-sense policy solutions to push back on this scourge.” – Mike Hestrin, Riverside County District Attorney
“With fentanyl in an estimated 40 percent of street drugs, it’s not a matter of if but when you will die if you take recreational drugs. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is warning every convicted drug dealer and distributor of the dangers of drugs – especially fentanyl – and advising them that if their drug activities result is someone’s death they can be charged with murder. I am not going to let drug dealers get away with murder, but as prosecutors we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to prevent fentanyl-related murders from ever happening. Education can save lives – and these combined efforts by Senator Bates and Assemblymember Davies will save lives and help us in the fight against American’s drug epidemic.” – Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney
Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies represents the 73rd Assembly District, which includes the communities of southern Orange County, including Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Las Flores, Mission Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Trabuco Canyon.
Senator Patricia Bates · State Capitol · Sacramento, CA 95814
