FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A proposed ordinance to regulate new laboratories dealing with infectious diseases wins initial approval at Fresno City Council.
Fresno City Councilmembers Garry Bredefeld, Miguel Arias and Nelson Esparza authored the “Infectious Disease Lab Accountability and Transparency Ordinance.”
The proposal comes after the discovery of a Covid-19 lab operating illegally in Reedley in late December, and just recently made public.
The proposed ordinance would have criminal penalties for violations of operating permits.
Fresno City Council unanimously approved the proposal during Thursday’s council meeting.
The ordinance will be up for final approval on Sept. 14, 2023.
If Fresno City Council passes the ordinance, it will take effect in October.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
