New state law on substance abuse treatment garners Hestrin’s support

Last week, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin supported Gov. Gavin Newsom’s action to sign Senate Bill (SB) 46 into law. This new law requires individuals convicted of a controlled substance offense to complete a treatment or education program. Current law does not require treatment or education. It was dependent on availability as well as the court’s assessment of whether “… the person is likely to benefit from the service.”

The new law also requires juvenile courts to order minors convicted of possessing a controlled substance to attend and successfully complete these courses.

Riverside County state Sen. Richard Roth introduced the bill in December 2022. The Senate Public Safety Committee held a hearing in March. Last month, both the state Assembly and Senate unanimously approved SB 46.

“I would like to thank Senator Roth for authoring important legislation to assist us in our ongoing efforts to combat drug addiction and drug-related crimes in Riverside County. Taking on the fentanyl epidemic is a multifaceted challenge that demands an all-encompassing approach of public outreach, appropriate prosecution, and legislation,” Hestrin said in his news release. “Senate Bill 46 plays a pivotal role by offering individuals facing felony drug charges access to court-mandated drug treatment and education programs.”

SB 46 also addresses the content of the required treatment education classes. They must be based on the best available current science and evidence, and provide educational resources on the pathology of addiction and existing treatment modalities.

For example, instruction must discuss how drugs affect the body and brain, factors that contribute to physical dependence, how to recognize and respond to the signs of drug overdose, and the dangers of using controlled substances, unless under appropriate medical supervision.

“The goal of a controlled substance education or treatment program shall be to save lives and reduce the risks associated with drug use, including the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances, and to reduce the recidivism that occurs from the use of controlled substances,” according to SB 46.