Alexandra’s Law, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at combating the deadly fentanyl crisis, is set to take effect on December 18.
The measure, which California voters approved as part of Proposition 36 , mandates that individuals convicted of drug-related offenses receive a formal legal warning about the potentially life-threatening consequences of their actions.
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Its approval is the culmination of years of hard work for the father of the law’s namesake, Matt Capelouto, whose daughter Alexandra died from a fentanyl overdose five years ago.
“This law aims to prevent a drug dealer from becoming a death dealer and save lives,” said Capelouto. “However, if a death tragically occurs as a result of their actions, this law provides prosecutors the necessary tools to pursue murder charges, ensuring justice for victims and accountability for offenders.”