California Briefs: Governor Signs Law Combating the Fentanyl Epidemic and State Granted $360 Million for Parks, Rivers and Clean Transportation Initiatives

First-in-Nation Law to Require Overdose Reversing Nasal Spray in All First Aid Kits Signed by Governor Newsom 

SACRAMENTO —  In a significant step towards combating the Fentanyl epidemic, Oct. 1 Assemblymember Matt Haney’s (D-San Francisco) AB 1976 has been signed by Gov. Newsom. The bill has had strong bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. AB 1976 would require Cal-OSHA to develop regulations that require first aid kits in all workplaces in California to contain naloxone nasal spray — a lifesaving medication that can completely reverse a deadly opioid overdose by being sprayed in the nostrils. 

 According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration more than half of the counterfeit prescription pills being trafficked in communities across the country now contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. 

 “If fentanyl continues to be more accessible than naloxone, we’re going to keep seeing an increase in overdose deaths in our communities,” said Haney, who chairs the Assembly’s Fentanyl and Opioid Overdose Prevention Committee. “Until we can cut off the supply of fentanyl to our state, we have a responsibility to make sure that we’re saving as many lives as possible — especially the lives of our youth.”

 All California businesses with employees are currently required to have a first aid kit in the breakroom or common space. AB 1976 will dramatically increase the accessibility of naloxone, making California a world leader in access to the lifesaving medication. Any person that sees someone exhibiting the symptoms of an overdose will know that naloxone is on hand in the first aid kit of the nearest business.

The legislation requires that Cal-OSHA, who is responsible for enforcing employer first aid kits regulations, develop standards and enforcement practices to ensure naloxone is in all first aid kits.

Biden-Harris Administration Grants California $360 Million for Parks, Rivers, and Clean Transportation Initiatives

SACRAMENTO — In the last week, California has received $360 million from the Biden-Harris Administration to support projects across the state, including habitat restoration, park improvements and rail and highway investments. 

The federal funding complements investments made by the Newsom Administration to build more, faster. 

$45 million to restore California’s rivers and aquatic habitats

Nearly $45 million in federal funding went towards projects aimed at restoring and protecting California’s rivers and aquatic habitats. The investments will support multiple projects designed to improve the health of fish, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems across the state, contributing to broader conservation and climate resilience efforts in California and the western U.S.

$95 million for neighborhood park improvements

California received $95 million from the National Park Service or NPS to improve outdoor recreation spaces in underserved communities. The funding will support 15 park projects across the state. These projects aim to enhance access to parks in neighborhoods with limited recreational opportunities. The grants align with California’s Outdoors for All initiative, which ensures equitable access to parks for all residents.

$220 million for clean transportation

California is receiving more than $220 million in federal funds to build a high-speed rail station in Madera and to improve safety, freight movement and travel times for commuters along I-680 from SR-24 to SR-242. Made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the funding will boost a vital corridor in the Bay Area and power construction of the rail station — a key component of the upcoming Merced-Bakersfield high-speed rail service. 

Contra Costa’s INNOVATE 680 Program will receive $166 million of the award to complete the northbound I-680 express lane gap from California State Route (SR) 24 to SR-242 and convert the existing northbound high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane.