Public commenters urge committee to back fentanyl testing‑device pilot

During public comment at the Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee on Jan. 13, speakers urged support for a fentanyl detection‑device distribution pilot included in Item 1.

Sam Chapman, a Los Angeles resident who said he lost his son to fentanyl poisoning, told the committee the devices are "life‑saving" and more portable than traditional testing strips, which require liquefying a sample. "This can happen anywhere, in a theater, on an airplane," Chapman said, arguing the devices could expand access to on‑the‑spot testing.

An unidentified parent who spoke to the same item said education alone is insufficient to prevent overdoses among students and called for "new tools" and better technology to protect young people. Committee staff read Item 1 into the record as a Department on Disability report relative to a fentanyl detection‑device distribution pilot program as part of the opioid remediation program.

Item 1 was included on the consent calendar and, after a reconsideration and roll call, the committee approved Items 1, 3, 4 and 5 by a 3‑0 vote.