| SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) delivered a powerful win for child safety as the Senate Human Services Committee passed SB 1234, the Accountability Before Custody (A.B.C.) Act, clearing a critical hurdle and sending the bill to the full Senate for a vote.
“This is a major victory for every family and every child at risk,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “SB 1234 just advanced through committee, and we are one step closer to ensuring that no child is returned to a parent actively using fentanyl. Accountability comes first. Today we stood up for the most vulnerable and took a strong stand against this deadly crisis.”
SB 1234, the A.B.C. Act, requires that when juvenile courts order drug testing for parents or guardians seeking reunification, fentanyl must be included on the test panel. By closing this dangerous gap, the bill helps prevent children from being placed back into environments where fentanyl is present, one of the most lethal threats facing families today.
Background and Urgency
Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, was involved in 69% of overdose deaths in 2023. It is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Between 2015 and 2023, fentanyl poisonings skyrocketed by 924% among children 12 and younger and by 1,506% among teens ages 13 to 19.
The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities, carrying an annual economic cost of $1.5 trillion. SB 1234 offers a targeted, no-cost solution that strengthens existing child welfare processes and puts children’s safety first.
Strong Support
The bill has earned robust backing from frontline law enforcement and probation departments, including:
· Alpine County Probation Department
· Amador County Sheriff’s Office
· Mariposa County Probation Department
· Merced County Sheriff’s Office
· Mono County District Attorney
· Placer County Sheriff’s Office
Senator Alvarado-Gil wishes to offer the sincerest of thanks to Nevada Sheriff’s Department Captain Sean Scales for his testimony and Lieutenant Matthew Waite-McGough for his support and to the Angel families who told their compelling and heartfelt stories.
Senator Alvarado-Gil concluded:
“Protecting our children must come before reunification when fentanyl is involved. The A.B.C. Act is a meaningful, decisive step toward breaking the cycle of tragedy and giving families the accountability they need to heal.”
SB 1234 now heads to the Senate Floor for a full vote. |
