ABC10
California Lawmakers have introduced a new bill, AB 366, to tackle drunk driving.
“Members this is an urgent call to action,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “AB 366 is an opportunity for us to save lives…for us to stop these tragic and preventable deaths before the car even starts.”
The bill would ensure all DUI offenders, including first-timers, are required to install interlock devices in their cars to prevent them from driving drunk. The current law doesn't apply to first-time offenders.
“The scary thing is the law that requires that currently is going to sunset in January of 2026,” said Rhonda Campbell with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “If we do not get AB 366 passed California will be the only state without any ignition interlock laws.”
Campbell is convinced the interlock breathing devices save lives.
“So in 2023 in California alone 30,500 start attempts were blocked,” said Campbell. “Now in order for it to block a start attempt that person has to be above the .08 limit. So 30,500 times somebody in our state tried to start their car impaired. They were just on a highway to kill somebody in my opinion."
Campbell took her personal story directly to lawmakers at the state Capitol this week.
“My sister was killed by a four-time repeat offender. Had we had something like this in place at that time there’s a possibility I wouldn’t be having this story today,” said Campbell. “We can prevent other families from suffering this same tragedy. Please support AB 366.”
“My goal when I met with Assembly members this past week was just to make it personal," Campbell continued. "Introduce them to my family. Introduce them to my sister and let them know how this has been a lifelong effect for us.”
The bill does have detractors. Offenders would have to pay $3 per day for the device, and they must use it for up to 48 months, depending on how many DUIs are on their record.
“So we’re looking at $300 for 6 months versus having to bury a loved one or paying attorney fees costs that are in the thousands of dollars,” Campbell said. “It just makes sense.”
The bill now heads to the Public Safety Committee next.