Controlled substances: fentanyl.
If enacted, this bill would impose stiffer prison sentences for individuals found guilty of possessing fentanyl for sale, purchasing it, or transporting it. Specifically, those caught with fentanyl could face 4 to 6 years of imprisonment, while transportation offenses could result in penalties of 7 to 9 years. Notably, if a person is caught transporting fentanyl between noncontiguous counties, the potential punishment rises significantly to a sentence of 7 to 13 years. These increased penalties are indicative of the state’s response to the growing concern over fentanyl-related deaths and the broader opioid crisis affecting California and the nation.
Assembly Bill 2467, introduced by Assembly Member Patterson, seeks to amend Sections 11351 and 11352 of the Health and Safety Code, specifically relating to the handling of controlled substances, particularly fentanyl. The bill aims to address the escalating issues surrounding fentanyl trafficking by increasing the penalties associated with its possession, sale, and transportation. Currently classified under Schedule II, fentanyl still allows for significant legal repercussions under existing law, which the bill seeks to adjust by elevating penalties across various offenses involving fentanyl, thus aiming for a more stringent policy towards its illegal trade and usage.
The proposed bill has sparked a range of discussions among legislators and stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of increasing penalties as a deterrent method. Supporters argue that tougher laws are essential to combat the fentanyl epidemic and protect communities, while critics express concerns that higher penalties may not effectively address the root causes of drug dependency and trafficking. They also emphasize the need for concurrent strategies that focus on treatment and rehabilitation over punitive measures alone. Additionally, the bill includes an exemption from local reimbursement requirements, which raises questions about its financial implications for local governments handling these new classifications of crime.