Grieving Families, Frustrated Lawmakers Protest Decision to Kill Fentanyl Bills

Assemblyman Jim Patterson (C), R-Fresno, speaks at a press conference in front of the state Capitol to protest the Assembly Public Safety Committee’s recent decision to not hear bipartisan fentanyl bills in Sacramento, Calif., on April 18, 2023. Courtesy of Assemblyman Jim Patterson’s office

California families affected by fentanyl overdose deaths joined lawmakers in front of the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 18 to protest the Assembly Public Safety Committee’s recent decision to not hear bipartisan fentanyl bills proposed by legislators.

Attendees were invited to place flowers in baskets commemorating fentanyl victims, and the group said it intends to present the memorial to the committee.