Fueling Solutions: How Information and Advocacy Paved the Way for Legislative Change in California’s Fentanyl Fight

In the early stages of California’s escalating fentanyl crisis, few anticipated the looming public health emergency and it was treated as just another episode in America’s long history with drug abuse. However, a small number of individuals saw early that this was a crisis unlike any we’d faced before, and  recognizing the devastating potential of this synthetic opioid, provided crucial funding to begin to study the fentanyl crisis and find solutions that would allow individuals to protect themselves as more comprehensive and enduring changes were implement at all levels of society. This support facilitated the creation of Fentanyl Solution and  one of the most comprehensive public opinion surveys on fentanyl, accountability, and the opioid crisis in California.  

This crucial early support led to the founding of Fentanyl Solution and the commissioning of one of the most comprehensive public opinion surveys on fentanyl, accountability, and the opioid crisis ever conducted in California. McNally Temple Associates, Inc. was selected to conduct the $90,000 statewide survey, which offered policymakers, public health leaders, and advocates critical insight into how Californians—particularly in Southern California and Orange County—perceived the growing overdose crisis and the justice system’s response.By effectively translating complex issues into powerful ideas, McNally Temple Associates continues to play a crucial role in the political landscape, bridging the gap between public opinion and policy implementation. Capitol Weekly 

Richard Temple, Executive Vice President of McNally Temple and a longtime public policy strategist, personally oversaw the survey. With more than three decades of experience, including leadership roles in the California Legislature, Temple brought deep expertise in connecting public sentiment with strategic action. The firm’s influence has helped shape major legislative efforts through work with figures like Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and Governor Pete Wilson. 

Among the most compelling results, 86% of Californians expressed concern about fentanyl abuse, and 88% supported sentencing enhancements for fentanyl dealers that result in fatal overdoses, such as those outlined in Alexandra’s Law. The survey revealed broad, bipartisan alignment on fentanyl, confirming the public’s demand for thoughtful, targeted action. 

In addition to fentanyl, the survey revealed broad, bipartisan alignment on fentanyl, confirming the public’s demand for thoughtful, targeted action. In addition to fentanyl, voters identified several key issues affecting their communities and revealed widespread concern, a call for compassionate accountability, and strong public support for strategic, life-saving interventions. Voters across party lines share concerns about economic hardship, homelessness, and public safety, creating opportunities for bipartisan engagement on overlapping crises. 

This chart will show what Californians identify as the most urgent issues in their own communities, across demographic segments like party affiliation, age, and ethnicity. This reflects local-level concerns that shape support for state-level fentanyl legislation and funding priorities. Use this visualization to contextualize how fentanyl policy fits within broader voter sentiment. 

The findings revealed widespread concern, a call for compassionate accountability, and strong public support for strategic, life-saving interventions.  

One significant application of this research was in building support for Senate Bill 44, known as Alexandra’s Law—a bipartisan policy aimed at addressing the distribution of lethal substances like fentanyl. Spearheaded by former State Senator Pat Bates, Alexandra’s Law sought to ensure that individuals convicted of selling or distributing deadly substances would receive a formal legal admonishment, warning that if their actions led to a future fatality, they could face criminal charges. This measure was designed to enhance public awareness, prevent future deaths, and promote informed accountability.  

The survey’s insights allowed policymakers to understand not only the public’s awareness of the fentanyl crisis but also their legislative preferences. This data informed harm reduction strategies and laid the groundwork for targeted policy shifts, notably Alexandra’s Law. It marked a pivotal moment where philanthropy, data, and evidence-based advocacy intersected to drive meaningful change.  

The survey’s insights allowed policymakers to understand not only the public’s awareness of the fentanyl crisis but also their legislative preferences. This data informed harm reduction strategies and laid the groundwork for targeted policy shifts, notably Alexandra’s Law. It marked a pivotal moment where philanthropy, data, and evidence-based advocacy intersected to drive meaningful change. This included a call for compassionate accountability, and strong public support for strategic, life-saving interventions emerged from the findings. 75% support for fixing California’s fentanyl crisis, indicating overall support and intensity for addressing the crisis. 

The research also propelled multiple legislative measures forward, including Proposition 36, known as “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” which passed with 68.4% of California voters in favor. Proposition 36 aims to address homelessness, addiction, and theft through a new approach to prosecution and sentencing. It introduces “wobbler” offenses—crimes that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on various factors—and mandates treatment for certain drug offenses. Additionally, it increases penalties for specific theft-related crimes, such as organized retail theft involving multiple participants.  

Adam Regiaba, CEO and Chair of Upfront Inc, has expressed significant concern about the dangers of fentanyl, describing it as a “modern chemical weapon.” He commends organizations like Fentanyl Solution for their efforts in educating the public about its lethality, highlighting that “1kg of fentanyl can kill 500,000 Americans.” Upfront Vice President and CFO Arthur Atinizian and Regiaba emphasize the need for a differentiated approach to prosecuting fentanyl traffickers, noting its potential to devastate communities, particularly in border areas like San Diego. 

In addressing the crisis, Upfront, Atinizian, and Regiaba advocate for a comprehensive strategy that includes:  

1. Strengthening law enforcement efforts: Focusing on investigating and dismantling fentanyl distribution networks through intelligence gathering and undercover operations.
2. Promoting anonymous tip reporting: Encouraging community members to report suspicious activities related to fentanyl anonymously via dedicated hotlines or online platforms.
3. Increasing penalties and enforcement: Evaluating and potentially enhancing existing laws and penalties associated with fentanyl trafficking to deter dealers effectively. 

After funding the survey that was the basis for this legislation moving forward, the team at Upfront continued their financial support by funding initiatives aimed at combating fentanyl-related crimes, contributing to the campaign for California’s Proposition 36 passed in November 2024. 

Fentanyl Solution supports Alexandra’s Law and the expansion of treatment options for individuals struggling with addiction. Proposition is an important piece of legislation which pushes forward the conversation that fentanyl is unlike anything that we’ve seen before, and will continue to advocate for fact-based, harm reduction solutions to this crisis and common sense safe guards such as those provided by Alexandra’s Law.  

California legislators have acknowledged the severity of the crisis and are taking action. Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of bipartisan efforts, stating, “The Senate’s Safer California Plan is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when we set aside party politics and work together to solve problems.” On the Republican side, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones highlighted the need for accountability, saying, “Fentanyl is destroying the lives of too many Californians and something must be done.” Senator Mike McGuire+1Senator Mike McGuire+1src.senate.ca.gov 

As the fentanyl crisis continues to devastate communities nationwide, individuals can contribute to combating this epidemic by supporting organizations like Fentanyl Solution through donations or volunteer work. Such involvement aids in funding critical research, public education campaigns, and advocacy efforts aimed at implementing effective policies. By engaging with these organizations, community members play a vital role in fostering informed accountability and promoting life-saving interventions.