Assemblyman Jim Patterson to introduce Fentanyl Dealers Accountability Act

Fresno Assemblyman Jim Patterson says a top priority this session is eliminating loopholes that allow fentanyl dealers to go free.

On the steps of the state capitol Assemblyman Patterson talked about his legislative mission for 2023. Topping his list is to eliminate loopholes for fentanyl dealers.

Under California law he says the penalties for these dealers are based on the weight of the drug.

"Because so little fentanyl that weighs so little and can do so much damage, the best our district attorney can do is to cite them for a misdemeanor and they're out on the streets."

Next month Assemblyman Patterson will introduce his bill, Fentanyl Dealers Accountability Act. He cited a recent arrest in Fresno County involving a dealer caught with more than 1100 fentanyl pills.

"The fentanyl weight of those pills were so much under the weight of felony heroin that the individual was cited out on a misdemeanor and is back out on the streets."

District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp is working with different law enforcement organizations and crime victims groups across California to get bi-partisan support to change state laws.

"We need new laws that are pertinent to fentanyl. Fentanyl is a poison. It is not just a drug. And such a small amount of it can kill people. We have to distinguish that drug."

Smittcamp admits it's an uphill battle.

"The Senate public safety committee and the Assembly public safety committee are strategically positioned to have people in there who are anti-responsibility and anti-accountability."

Assemblyman Patterson says there's no reason why every republican and democrat in the legislature shouldn't support his bill. He adds a no vote is siding with fentanyl dealers.