Assembly committee advances bill to make drink‑spiking prevention rules permanent (AB 1982)

The California State Assembly Government Organization Committee voted to advance AB 1982, a bill by Assemblymember Lowenthal that would remove the sunset on prior measures requiring Type 48 (bars and nightclubs) establishments to offer drink‑spiking test strips or devices and protective lids and to post signage notifying patrons of availability. The measure was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Assemblymember Lowenthal said the bill preserves protections put in place by earlier laws and explained that drink spiking — the act of slipping incapacitating drugs into a victim’s drink — is often used to facilitate other crimes. “AB 19 82 simply will continue to require type 48 establishments, bars, and nightclubs to provide testing strips and lids to a patron upon their request and to post a sign declaring this availability,” Lowenthal said.

Supporters told the committee the protections prevent harm and help venues coordinate prevention and response. Dila Carrillo, director of the San Francisco SHARP office in the mayor’s office for victims’ rights, said removing the sunset would give agencies and venues the stability needed for prevention work: “Without it, efforts remain fragmented and ineffective,” she said. Elizabeth Dreesen, founder of The Night’s Watch, described training work with venue staff and urged an aye vote to sustain momentum for prevention. Raul Verdugo of Alcohol Justice called the measures “simple, effective protections” that deter tampering.

A committee member asked whether the presenter would accept co‑authorship and several members expressed support. The committee recorded affirmative roll call votes and the chair noted the bill had enough votes to advance.

AB 1982 was advanced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration; no opposition testimony was recorded in the hearing.