Sen. Cortese's Statement on SB 908 - Stopping Fentanyl Exposure to Young Children - Advancing to Governor's Desk

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement regarding his Senate Bill 908 (SB 908), which now advances to the Governor for his signing and adoption.

“Our children age five and younger are being negatively affected at alarming and fatal numbers by the fentanyl epidemic rampant across our city streets. By identifying fentanyl-related fatality trends we will be better equipped to roll out a coordinated and united response that could end up saving dozens of young lives,” said Senator Cortese. “In doing so, we are giving children and youth a fighting chance at life.”

SB 908 aims to 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 this 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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