Lieu Introduces Legislation to Deter Drug Use

(Sacramento, CA) –Assemblymember Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance) today introduced AB 2090 which aims to discourage drug dealers from selling or intending to sell illegal narcotics, including methamphetamines, at public parks and ocean-front beaches. AB 2090 restores a one-year sentence enhancement that was previously repealed by a sunset clause in 2003.

“AB 2090 calls for a reasonable sentence enhancement that will deter drug use in areas where children congregate,” said Assemblymember Lieu.  “It’s essential that we are doing everything possible to keep our children safe and away from drugs.” 

AB 2090 will encourage the cities and counties with jurisdiction over public parks or ocean-front beaches to adopt an ordinance which designates the area as a “drug free zone”. Once AB 2090 is adopted by the cities and counties, parks and beaches will have posted signs clearly marking the area an anti-drug zone. Declaring areas as drug free zones allows communities to offer children a safe place to play without being threatened by drug dealers and drug users. 

“AB 2090 is just one step we can take to ensure that drugs do not affect the most vulnerable members of our society -- our children,” said Lieu. “Drugs like methamphetamines contribute to identity theft, burglaries, and an overall deterioration of our communities.”

Parks and ocean-front beaches, which are frequently used by children and families, unfortunately also often become “hot spots” for drug activity. AB 2090 will deter drug trafficking in our community, and help local communities to create a safe environment. 

AB 2090 will be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee in the following months.