SACRAMENTO – In addition to the ravages of the Covid-19 Pandemic, there is another devastating epidemic plaguing California and the entire nation: the opioid epidemic. On March 9, 2021, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator Patricia Bates will announce the details of legislative efforts to combat the opioid crisis and prevent illicit fentanyl trafficking during a virtual press conference. Joining the legislators will be Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes along with impacted families who have lost loved ones to this deadly drug.
“The opioid epidemic has not paused for COVID-19. As mounting opioid deaths destroy our families and our communities, it is time to stop these fatal drug overdoses at the source,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach). “We must ensure that trafficking Fentanyl does not pay and that the traffickers who are poisoning our communities receive penalties that fit the seriousness of this substance.”
Assembly Bill 1351 and Senate Bill 75 would deter fentanyl traffickers who transport, sell or distribute this deadly drug in order to stem its growing abuse in California. Despite the deadly and dangerous consequences of fentanyl, trafficking crimes related to the drug are treated as a lesser offense than trafficking drugs like cocaine and heroin.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
10-10:30 am
Reporters will have the opportunity to ask questions at the press conference.
Event will be livestreamed via Facebook on Asm. Petrie-Norris’ page.
PARTICIPANTS:
- Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris
- Senator Patricia Bates
- Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes
- Jamie Puerta, Parent
- Amy Neville, Parent
- Matt Capelouto, Parent