Sen. Cortese's Response to His SB 908 - Stopping Fentanyl Exposure Among Children - Being Signed Into Law

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese issued the following statement regarding his Senate Bill 908 (SB 908) being signed into law by Governor Newsom.

“As a state, we have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of all our children and youth, especially those five and younger. That is why we must identify strategies on how to best prevent the accidental exposure of fentanyl to them through a statewide coordinated public health response,” said Senator Cortese. “Our most vulnerable and innocent deserve protection and a fighting chance at a good life.  That opportunity is compromised when they are exposed to fentanyl and other drugs. Through SB 908, we will be able to save their lives.”

SB 908 will address the critical need for a standardized public health response to the fentanyl crisis affecting children aged five and younger. It mandates the State Department of Public Health to track and analyze trends in fentanyl-related deaths within this age group, develop preventative guidelines, and disseminate crucial information to all California counties. The bill also requires annual reporting of findings and recommendations to enhance the collective efforts to safeguard young lives from the lethal risks of opioid poisoning.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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