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Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign one letter to support Assembly Bill 1554, and one letter to support Senate Bill 819 to support the ban on the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, distribution, possession or use of powdered alcohol.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign two letters, one to Senator Huff regarding Senate Bill (SB) 819 and one to Assemblywoman Irwin regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 1554 to support the ban on the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, distribution, possession, or use of powdered alcohol, commonly known as Palcohol.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Under SB 819 and/or AB 1554, introduced earlier this year by Senator Huff and Assemblywoman Irwin respectively, the bills would define and ban the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, distribution, possession, or use of powdered alcohol. If the bills are passed, California would join more than 27 other states that have already banned the product.
The County of El Dorado supports collaboration among community partners to promote healthier and safer communities. The County’s Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program, in particular, provides education and trainings, awareness campaigns, and efforts to reduce the sale and advertising of alcohol to minors. Alcohol in its traditional form is already recognized as a serious public issue. Palcohol creates another pathway to alcohol abuse by minors, underage drinkers, and adult alcoholics.
The recent California Health Interview Survey results show that teenagers in El Dorado County are trying alcohol at higher rates than the State average. This data demonstrates that a need exists within El Dorado County for substance abuse services. Adoption of this bill would protect Californians, including El Dorado County residents, from potential negative health and other consequences, including abuse by youth.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could decide not to support the proposed Bills.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this Board item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain Chair signature on two (2) originals of each letter of support and mail to addressees.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) copy of each signed letter of support to HHSA at Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director