Dive Brief:
- A second attempt to pass right-to-die legislation was recently attempted by California lawmakers in a special legislative session on health care financing. However, Gov. Jerry Brown said the issue was inappropriate for the session.
- A similar bill in California was introduced earlier this year and passed the state Senate but not the Assembly.
- At least 24 states have introduced right-to-die legislation this year -- none of which has passed. Four states allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs: Montana, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
Dive Insight:
Opponents to the bill say it was a "heavy-handed attempt to skirt the legislative process," according to the Union-Tribune. Tim Rosales, a spokesman for Californians Against Assisted Suicide said, "it is particularly troubling that in this rush to judgement, proponents are linking this bill with healthcare financing."
Compassion and Choices, a right-to-die advocacy group, said it would try to qualify a ballot measure next year if the current proposal loses in the state legislature.