Serious felonies: furnishing fentanyl to a minor.

Senator Seyarto's legislation expands California's definition of serious felonies to include knowingly furnishing fentanyl to minors, adding this offense to the list of crimes that restrict plea bargaining options and carry enhanced sentencing provisions.

The bill modifies Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code, which currently limits plea bargaining for serious felonies except in cases with insufficient evidence or unavailable witness testimony. Under existing law, prosecutors must pursue charges for violent sex crimes under "one strike," "three strikes" or habitual offender statutes rather than engaging in plea negotiations. The amendment maintains these restrictions while extending them to cases involving the distribution of fentanyl to minors.

While the legislation creates a state-mandated local program by expanding the scope of serious felony enhancements, it specifies that local agencies and school districts will not require state reimbursement for implementation costs. This determination aligns with constitutional provisions regarding crimes, infractions, and associated penalties.