Newsom signs four bills to toughen California DUI penalties after fatal crash

Key points

• Newsom signed SB 907, 'Braun's Law,' which allows prosecutors to charge repeat DUI drivers with murder if they kill someone, even if a prior DUI charge was pled down to a lesser offense.
• AB 1546 makes a third DUI conviction within 10 years a 'wobbler' offense, allowing prosecutors to charge it as a felony, and makes a fifth conviction a felony carrying up to three years in prison.
• AB 1687 requires the DMV to revoke licenses for six years for drivers who cause injury while drunk after having four prior DUIs, extending the previous three-year suspension.
• AB 1685 increases the DMV points for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two to three, making license suspension more likely.
• The laws follow a CalMatters series that found California has some of the weakest DUI laws in the nation, with alcohol-related roadway deaths rising more than 50% over the past decade.

Background

California has historically had some of the weakest DUI laws in the country, with a more than 50% increase in alcohol-related roadway deaths over the past decade. A CalMatters investigation revealed that the state was often unable or unwilling to get dangerous drivers off the road before they killed someone, with many continuing to drive recklessly even after fatal crashes. The new laws are the result of an initial package of 17 bills aimed at addressing traffic deaths, most of which failed due to opposition from progressive groups who argued that increased enforcement and penalties would disproportionately harm low-income and historically marginalized residents.

How outlets are covering it

CalMatters emphasized that the new laws are a significant step forward but noted that many proposed safety measures, such as requiring first-time DUI offenders to install in-car breathalyzers, failed this session. The Los Angeles Times focused on the specific penalties and the fact that the laws will take effect at different times, with some not taking effect until 2031 or 2033. ABC7 and NBC Los Angeles highlighted the personal stories behind the legislation, particularly the deaths of Braun Levi and Archuleta's granddaughter, and the emotional impact on their families. Newsom's office called the laws a 'bold action' to support victims and prevent future tragedies, while advocates like Jennifer Levi expressed hope but noted that more work is needed.

Why it matters

The new laws aim to address a startling rise in DUI fatalities in California by increasing penalties for repeat offenders and making it easier to charge them with serious crimes. The legislation is a response to a long-standing issue of weak DUI laws in the state and the failure of many proposed safety measures in previous sessions. The laws could have a significant impact on public safety and the lives of Californians, but their effectiveness will depend on implementation and enforcement.

What to watch

The new laws will take effect at different times, with some taking effect in 2031 and 2033. Advocates like Jennifer Levi plan to continue pushing the Legislature to act on other safety measures that failed this session. Newsom's office has called on the Legislature to return to the broader effort to require first-time DUI offenders to install in-car breathalyzers and to work on a 'comprehensive, long-term framework for DUI sanctions' that are clear and consistent. The criminal case connected to the death of Braun Levi is moving forward, with the accused driver scheduled to return to a Torrance courtroom on Oct. 22 for a pretrial hearing.