More Drug Diversion Mandated In CA Thanks To Law Stemming Out Of RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A state Senate bill stemming out of Riverside County that requires people convicted of a drug offense to complete a treatment or education program was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Authored by Sen. Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside), Senate Bill 46 outlines standards for programs for convicted offenders and requires education and treatment for drug diversion to include information on the effects of controlled substances on the brain and body, how to recognize and respond to the signs of a drug overdose, and the dangers of using controlled substances.

The legislation also makes court-ordered drug treatment and education programs more accessible for people who cannot afford to pay for them.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin sponsored SB 46. In a released statement Tuesday he said, “I would like to thank Senator Roth for authoring important legislation to assist us in our ongoing efforts to combat drug addiction and drug-related crimes in Riverside County. Taking on the fentanyl epidemic is a multifaceted challenge that demands an all-encompassing approach of public outreach, appropriate prosecution, and legislation. Senate Bill 46 plays a pivotal role by offering individuals facing felony drug charges access to court-mandated drug treatment and education programs.”

Roth also issued a statement.

"We are losing thousands of lives each year in our state to opioid overdose and we must do more to address this crisis,” the state senator said. “This legislation seeks to help those most susceptible and give them the tools they need, with education and treatment, so they don’t become another statistic and can turn their life around. In order to do this, specific and intentional education and treatment must be required to reduce recidivism and ensure long-term success. I thank the Governor for signing this important legislation.”

California's Sen. Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) coauthored the bill.

Newsom signed the measure into law on Sunday and it takes effect Jan. 1.