A state Assembly bill was signed into law Friday that allows counties in California to create committees to investigate the deaths of homeless people. Advocates for the bill say this will help counties gather essential data to uncover the root causes of these deaths.
The bill, AB 271, is sponsored by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton).
“It is unconscionable that these individuals are dying 20 years younger from preventable causes compared to the general public,” said Quirk-Silva in a prepared statement.
Exposure to the elements and lack of access to medical services are major factors causing illness and death among those living without shelter. A number of people experiencing homelessness in Humboldt County died over the winter months of 2022 and 2023, prompting concern from the public and advocates who say there is a lack of shelter access in Humboldt County.
Deaths last winter include Jestine Green, who was discovered deceased in recycling taken to the Samoa Resource Recovery Center after she climbed into a recycling dumpster to use as a shield from the elements. An autopsy concluded that she died of asphyxia because of pressure on her chest and abdomen. Another winter death was Nancy Barnes of Arcata, was found dead in front of Arcata City Hall of cardiac arrest following a cold night.
Advocates note more deaths likely are underreported.
Concern was noted last winter for a lack of available low-barrier, extreme weather shelters in Humboldt County as temperatures dropped. Public comments at Eureka and Arcata city council meetings called for government officials to address the issue.
A committee, if it is formed, might also develop a protocol for coroners to identify the cause and mode of death specific to homeless people, the text of the bill notes. The bill would establish procedures for disclosure of information to the committee.
The bill is expanding on the Orange County Homeless Death Review Committee formed in January 2022, according to a news release from Quirk-Silva.
Bill renews measure allowing remote prescriptions
Newsom also signed an Assembly bill into law Friday that allows health care workers to perform medication chart reviews remotely. It was a temporary waiver made permanent by the bill after the waiver was set to expire. According to the text of the bill, AB 1557 which was authored by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Modesto), electronic prescriptions can be issued by those outside of a medical facility.
“This bill would delete the provision making the authorization to electronically enter a prescription inapplicable to controlled substances,” the bill notes.
Sage Alexander can be reached at 707-441-0504.
