Bill Placing New Restrictions On Fentanyl Dies In Legislature

SACRAMENTO (CBS13/AP) — A proposal to make California law treat the drug fentanyl like heroin or cocaine has died amid an increasing number of fatal overdoses linked to the powerful opiate, including that of musician Prince.

SB1323 would have enhanced sentences for people convicted of selling or trafficking fentanyl based on the amount of the drug involved.

In 2016, more than 50 overdose cases were reported in the Sacramento area, leading to more than a dozen deaths as a result of counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl.

Under the system currently used for heroin and cocaine, one kilogram tacks on three years to a sentence while 80 kilograms or more adds 25 years.

A fiscal panel declined to act on the bill Thursday, effectively killing it.

Bill author Sen. Patricia Bates attributed the bill's demise to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown's focus on reducing California's prison population. The Laguna Niguel Republican says Brown's initiative has made it difficult to address weaknesses in criminal law.