SB-1234 • 2026

Dependency: fentanyl testing.

Children Healthcare Parental Rights

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Alvarado-Gil
Last action: 2026-04-22
Official status: Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify conditions under which drug testing is ordered, nor does it provide details on consequences for positive test results, frequency of testing, or cost implications.

Fentanyl Testing in Juvenile Dependency Cases

This law requires juvenile courts to include tests for fentanyl when they order parents or guardians to be tested for controlled substances.

What This Bill Does

Adds a requirement that if a court orders drug testing, the test must check for fentanyl.

Who It Names or Affects

Juvenile courts that deal with child dependency cases
Parents or guardians ordered by a juvenile court to take drug tests

Terms To Know

juvenile court: A special court for children who are under the age of majority and involved in legal matters.
dependency case: A situation where a child needs protection from the court because they might be at risk of harm or neglect.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify what happens if someone tests positive for fentanyl.
Does not detail how often these tests should happen or who pays for them.

Bill History

2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-04-21 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 4. Noes 0.) (April 20).
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on HUMAN S. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on HUMAN S.
2026-04-10 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 20 in HUMAN S. pending receipt.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 14.
2026-04-06 California Legislative Information
April 7 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
2026-03-26 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 7.
2026-03-04 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on JUD. and HUMAN S.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 22.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 1234, as amended, Alvarado-Gil.
Dependency: fentanyl testing.
Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge children to be dependents of the court under certain circumstances, including when the child suffered or there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer serious physical harm, or a parent fails to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment. Existing law authorizes a court to make any reasonable orders to the parents or guardians of the child as the court deems necessary and proper.
This bill would require, if a juvenile court orders a parent or guardian to submit to testing for controlled substances, that test panel include testing for fentanyl.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF