The History of Alexandra’s Law
The Inception of Alexandra’s Law
Alexandra’s Law was born out of tragedy and a determined effort to prevent others from experiencing the same devastating loss. In December 2019, 20-year-old Alexandra Capelouto lost her life after unknowingly consuming a counterfeit pill that contained fentanyl. Her family, shocked by the lack of accountability for those who distribute these deadly substances, set out to make a change.
The goal was simple: hold drug dealers accountable when they knowingly sell fentanyl-laced substances that result in death. Just as DUI offenders receive a warning that driving under the influence can kill, Alexandra’s Law proposed a similar warning for those convicted of drug offenses. This “Fentanyl Admonition” would notify offenders that if they continue to sell drugs containing fentanyl and someone dies, they could face homicide charges.
The Four-Year Struggle in the California Legislature
Despite its clear intent to save lives, Alexandra’s Law faced significant resistance in the California State Legislature. For four years, advocates—including Alexandra’s family, law enforcement officials, and families of fentanyl victims—pushed tirelessly for its passage.
2021: SB 350 (Authored by Senator Melissa Melendez)
The bill was first introduced in the California State Senate but failed to move forward due to opposition from lawmakers who viewed it as too punitive.
2022: SB 1350 (Authored by Senator Melissa Melendez)
The bill was reintroduced with modifications, but despite growing public awareness of the fentanyl crisis, it was blocked once again in committee hearings.
2023: SB 44 (Authored by Senators Tom Umberg and Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh)
A renewed effort, led by California senators and a coalition of victims’ families, gained momentum. Testimonies from grieving parents, law enforcement, and public safety advocates highlighted the urgent need for action. Even with the majority of the state senate signed on as co-authors and overwhelming public support, the bill was repeatedly stalled in committee hearings.
2023: AB 18 (Authored by Assemblyman Joe Patterson)
In parallel with the Senate efforts, Assemblyman Joe Patterson introduced Alexandra’s Law in the California State Assembly as AB 18. Despite the growing urgency to address the fentanyl crisis, this bill also faced challenges in moving forward.
2023: ACA 12 (Authored by Assemblywoman Diane Dixon)
In an effort to amend the California State Constitution, Assemblywoman Diane Dixon introduced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 12 (ACA 12), also known as Alexandra’s Law. This amendment aimed to hold repeat fentanyl dealers accountable by allowing courts to charge them with homicide if their actions resulted in death. Despite the critical need to address the fentanyl crisis, ACA 12 faced significant challenges in the legislative process and was not enacted.
Seven Committee Hearings and Repeated Failures
Between 2021 and 2023, Alexandra’s Law was heard in legislative committees a total of seven times. Each time, despite overwhelming public support, including emotional testimonies from grieving families, law enforcement officials, and public safety advocates, the bill failed to move forward. These repeated legislative roadblocks underscored the deep political resistance to imposing stronger penalties on fentanyl dealers, even as the crisis claimed thousands of lives.
A Breakthrough: Inclusion in Proposition 36
In 2024, after years of relentless advocacy, Alexandra’s Law found a new path forward. With the help of key supporters—including California district attorneys and public safety leaders—it was successfully added to Proposition 36, a broader public safety measure. Tom Umberg: In Memory of Alexandra Capelouto, pass Proposition 36.
The inclusion of Alexandra’s Law in Prop 36 meant that the people of California, rather than just legislators, would have the opportunity to vote on this life-saving policy. On Election Day, November 5, 2024, voters made their voices heard, and Proposition 36 passed. Alexandra’s Law officially went into effect December 18, 2024, five years to the week of her passing.
A Legacy of Change
The passage of Alexandra’s Law marked a turning point in the fight against fentanyl deaths. While it took years of persistence, heartbreak, and advocacy, the law now stands as a powerful tool to hold drug dealers accountable and prevent more families from suffering the same loss.
Today, efforts continue to expand Alexandra’s Law beyond California, encouraging lawmakers in other states to adopt similar measures. Alexandra’s story is now a call to action, urging communities and legislators across the country to confront the fentanyl epidemic with the urgency it demands.
Her legacy lives on—not just in the law that bears her name, but in the countless lives that will be saved because of it.