California lawmakers are taking aim at the state’s dangerous driver problem with a new package of bipartisan legislation announced Tuesday. The proposals seek to address roadway safety issues uncovered by CalMatters’ investigative “License to Kill” series, which revealed how weak laws and enforcement have contributed to rising traffic deaths across the state.
“Sacramento is listening. We see that there is a problem and we are doing what we can, crossing that partisan divide and trying to identify real solutions that we can deliver now to make our communities safer,” said Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz of Burbank, chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, according to CalMatters.
The legislative package includes several key measures designed to keep dangerous drivers off California roads:
- Requiring first-time DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices (in-car breathalyzers)
- Lengthening license suspensions and revocations
- Increasing DUI training for law enforcement officers
- Closing a loophole that allows drivers who’ve killed with their vehicles to avoid consequences through diversion programs
Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), is reintroducing legislation requiring breathalyzers for first-time DUI offenders after previous attempts failed. “California is the epicenter of America’s DUI and drunk driving epidemic. As moms, as dads, as Californians, it’s horrifying. And as policymakers, we have an opportunity and we have an obligation to do something about this,” she said.
The proposals come after reporting by CalMatters showed that California’s DUI laws rank among the weakest in the nation, with more than 1,300 people killed annually in intoxication-related crashes.
Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Lori Wilson introduced Assembly Bill 1662, which would require the DMV to add points to a driver’s license when they’re granted misdemeanor diversion. Wilson is also finalizing legislation to ensure license suspensions begin after a driver is released from custody rather than at conviction, preventing offenders from serving their suspension while incarcerated.
“Driving is a privilege,” Wilson said. “This package holds dangerous drivers accountable and keeps our streets safer for everyone.”
Republican Assemblymember Juan Alanis of Modesto, a former law enforcement officer, plans to introduce legislation expanding advanced DUI enforcement training for police officers. Currently, many officers only receive basic training at the academy and must wait for colleagues with specialized training to assess a driver’s sobriety.
These proposals are part of a broader effort to address traffic safety in California. Other recent legislation has focused on school zone speed limits, automated traffic enforcement systems, and e-bike safety regulations.
State Senator Bob Archuleta, a Democrat from Norwalk, has also introduced a bill to increase punishment for DUI offenders and make it easier for prosecutors to charge repeat offenders with murder. Archuleta is expected to hold a press conference later this month with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and road safety advocates to announce additional road safety bills.
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