September 2015 - SACRAMENTO— The California State Senate has passed Senate Bill 333 authored by Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton). The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 37-0. Senate Bill 333, which is sponsored by the California District Attorneys Association and enjoys overwhelming law enforcement support, would create a new tool for prosecutors to combat three substances commonly known as ‘date rape’ drugs.
The legislation will help rectify an unintended consequence of Proposition 47 by creating penalties for the possession of “date rape” drugs with the intent to commit sexual assault. In the November 2014 elections, voters passed Proposition 47 which reclassified many crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.
"As prosecutors and law enforcement throughout California continue to deal with the fallout from Proposition 47, we appreciate Senator Galgiani's efforts to protect our communities from predators who might otherwise escape serious consequences for their behavior when they engage in this sort of appalling criminal conduct,” said Mark Zahner, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association.
Senate Bill 333 would restore the ability of district attorneys to pursue felony charges against individuals caught with the most common date rape drugs, including Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine.
“When a ballot measure of this type is placed in front of voters, the potential for unintended consequences arise. I firmly believe that voters in California did not intend to weaken sexual assault statutes,” said Galgiani. “The malicious intent behind possessing and using ‘date rape’ drugs on another individual necessitates an aggressive response from law enforcement. Assaulting a person that has become incapacitated from being drugged is an especially despicable crime.”
“During my time here in Sacramento, both as an Assemblywoman and as a State Senator, this legislative body has been dedicated to spreading awareness and preventing sexual assault,” Galgiani continued. “Senate Bill 333 is an important step in protecting victims of sexual assault. I call on Governor Brown to please stand with women and sign this important public safety legislation.”
Source: Senator Cathleen Galgiani
