Senators emerged from a hearing on the fentanyl epidemic in agreement about permanently categorizing the drug and related opioids with the highest possible classification days before one such bill on the topic is scheduled for a vote.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday to consider legislation that would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors appears ready to grant newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie greater powers to expedite the city’s response to its fentanyl and homelessness crisis

The ordinance will allow Mayor Daniel Lurie's administration to bypass bidding processes that can take months and swiftly enter into contracts to address addiction and homelessness.