CA AB890

Courts must order defendants granted probation for violations of Sections 11350, 11351, or 11352 involving any amount of fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiate, or analogs thereof to successfully complete a fentanyl and synthetic opiate education program if available.

No fees may be charged to defendants for enrollment in or participation in fentanyl and synthetic opiate education programs.

Fentanyl and synthetic opiate education programs must include information on how these drugs affect the body and brain, their dangers to life and health, factors contributing to physical dependence, health risks of substance use disorders, overdose recognition and response, and legality of drug testing equipment.

Program providers must report any unexcused absence by a defendant to the probation department and court within two business days, and defendants must complete any missed program components.

Courts may only refer defendants to programs available at no cost and may allow participation via remote technology if available; education must be culturally and linguistically appropriate.