Significant Roth Legislation Passes State Senate On Increasing Judgeships and Combating the Opioid Overdose Epidemic

May 25, 2023

SACRAMENTO, CA—Today the California State Senate unanimously passed significant pieces of Senator Richard D. Roth’s (D-Riverside) legislative agenda, including those addressing such critical issues as the severe Superior Court Judge shortage and the opioid overdose crisis.

“I came to Sacramento a decade ago to solve problems and pass common sense policy, and again today that was manifested in the overwhelming bi-partisan support these crucial pieces of legislation received by the full State Senate,” said Roth. “With respect to access to justice, Inland Southern California suffers from a severe Judgeship shortage, creating an overwhelming case backlog, which my SB 75 helps to address. California’s opioid overdose epidemic demands a comprehensive, every-tool-in-the-toolbelt approach, that’s why I authored SB 641 to ensure that California’s Naloxone Distribution Project makes all FDA-approved opioid reversal tools available to law enforcement, first responders, community organizations, schools, and local health agencies. I look forward to a robust discussion of these bills in the State Assembly.”

The following Roth Senate Bills passed out of the State Senate today and now head to the State Assembly for consideration:

SB 75 would authorize 26 new superior court judgeships, subject to appropriation.  If funded in the budget, any new judgeships would be allocated to counties in the State in accordance with the Judicial Council's Judicial Needs Assessment, including the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino.

SB 641 would ensure that eligible applicants—those on the front lines of combating overdose deaths—are equipped with the tools they need to save lives.

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris, and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General. More information about Senator Roth can be found at https://sd31.senate.ca.gov/