Sen. Sharon Runner
Antelope Valley’s senator Sharon Runner announced Wednesday that her legislation to combat the prevalence of synthetic recreational drugs in communities across California passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee.
Senate Bill 1367 would authorize local governments to regulate the sale of synthetic recreational drugs that pose a unique threat to the life or health of California’s youth.
California law prohibits the sale of certain synthetic recreational drugs.
These substances are labeled “not for human consumption” but are marketed in a form that can be smoked or vaporized and inhaled.
These drugs are often sold as bath salts, incense or bird seed under names like “spice”.
“This issue was brought to my attention by constituents who are troubled by how easily these drugs fall into the possession of young people, particularly high school students,” said Runner. “I share their concern and think the problem needs to be addressed statewide.”
Because these drugs are synthetic, they are incredibly difficult to regulate.
Once the federal or state government prohibits a substance like “spice,” a new compound with a slightly different chemical makeup hits the market.
Runner’s legislation addresses the problem from a different angle by allowing local government regulation of toxic substances that can be harmful to minors.
The bill authorizes regulation of these substances in a manner similar to state regulation of airplane glue, aerosol paint and products containing alcohol.
Specifically, SB 1367 would allow a city or county to regulate the sale of these substances if, after a public hearing, it is determined that the substance has been advertised, purchased or consumed as a recreational drug and the substance can cause intoxication, disability, or death if swallowed, smoked, inhaled or injected in to the body.
“The people who sell these drugs rely on the difficulty faced by law enforcement while they wait for legislation prohibiting the latest chemical compound to be passed,” said Runner. “SB 1367 would give local governments an expedited process for regulating these dangerous substances when they surface in the community, keeping them out of the hands of our children.”
SB 1367 has garnered bi-partisan support and passed with the help of Senator Cathleen Galgiani from Stockton.
“The health and safety of our children should be our number one priority,” said Galgiani. “SB 1367 will allow law enforcement to stay one step ahead of the underground chemists who manufacture these deadly substances. I am pleased to support this important public safety measure.”
SB 1367 passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee with unanimous bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate Floor.
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