Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released guidance for local governments on the use of opioid settlement funds. This move comes as part of a broader effort to combat the ongoing opioid and fentanyl crisis, which continues to impact public health and safety across the state.

Attorney General Bonta highlighted the severity of the epidemic, stating, "The opioid epidemic, fueled by prescription opioid painkillers and fentanyl, continues to devastate families, communities, and lives across this nation." He emphasized that the California Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable those responsible for exacerbating this crisis.

The guidance aims to help local governments strategically utilize funds from nationwide settlements totaling nearly $50 billion. California is expected to receive up to $4.2 billion from these settlements. The funds are intended for comprehensive prevention, treatment, recovery programs, and other resources aimed at addressing the crisis.

Since its onset in the 1990s, the opioid epidemic has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States. In 2022 alone, more than 10,900 Californians died from overdoses; nearly 6,500 were attributed to fentanyl. Fentanyl is noted for being up to 50 times stronger than heroin and poses a significant risk due to its presence in various drugs.

In his statement, Attorney General Bonta expressed optimism about tackling this issue: "With a united front of local governments statewide... we can not only put an end to this epidemic but also provide a pathway toward recovery and renewal."

The secured settlements ensure long-term funding for cities and counties in California specifically designated for abating the opioid crisis.