Senator Richard Roth’s Mandatory Education/Treatment Program for Drug Offenders is Signed by Governor

Sacramento, CA-- Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation authored by Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) that requires mandatory education and/or treatment programs for those who have been convicted of a drug offense and granted probation.

“We are losing thousands of lives each year in our state to opioid overdoses and we must do more to address this crisis,” said Senator Roth. “This legislation seeks to help those most susceptible and give them the tools they need, with education and treatment, so they don’t become another statistic and can turn their life around. In order to do this, specific and intentional education and treatment must be required to reduce recidivism and ensure long-term success. I thank the Governor for signing this important legislation.”

“The Governor’s signing of SB 46 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat drug addiction and drug-related crimes in California,” said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “Taking on the fentanyl epidemic is a multifaceted challenge that demands an all-encompassing approach of public outreach, appropriate prosecution, and legislation. SB 46 plays a pivotal role by offering individuals facing felony drug charges access to court-mandated drug treatment and education programs.”

SB 46 outlines standards for programs for convicted offenders and requires education and treatment for drug diversion to include information on the effects of controlled substances on the brain and body, how to recognize and respond to the signs of a drug overdose, and the dangers of using controlled substances.