California: Governor Newsom signs “Braun’s Law,” and package of bills to crack down on DUI offenders
The Californer/10358246

Trending...
News

Sep 25, 2026

Governor Newsom signs "Braun's Law," and package of bills to crack down on DUI offenders

What you need to know: Delivering on the promise of safer communities, Governor Newsom today announced the signing of stricter DUI laws, including SB 907, known as "Braun's Law," in honor of Braun Levi whose life was lost at the hands of a suspected repeat drunk driver.

LOS ANGELES – Fulfilling the promise of making communities safer and holding criminals accountable, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the signing of tougher laws aimed at getting intoxicated drivers off of California's roadways.

Getting behind the wheel when you are impaired is inexcusable — especially when it results in the loss of someone's life. Today, we're creating tougher laws and greater accountability for those who break the law. We will not stand by as more lives are lost and more families are forever changed by those who choose to drive under the influence.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Today's bill signing included Senate Bill 907 by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), named "Braun's Law" in honor of Braun Levi, an 18-year-old Loyola High School student and nationally ranked tennis player from Pacific Palisades. His family had recently relocated to Manhattan Beach after their home was destroyed in the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire. In May 2025, Braun was struck and killed by a suspected repeat drunk driver while walking in Manhattan Beach. Braun's Law helps ensure that drivers whose DUI charges are pled down to a lesser charge are made aware that impaired driving is extremely dangerous to human life – and if they commit this act again – they could be charged with a more serious crime, including murder.

"Having lost my granddaughter to a repeat drunk driver, this is personal. No family should have to endure what mine has, or what has happened to the Levi family," said Senator Archuleta. "Thank you to Governor Newsom for taking bold action to support families that have been devastated by drunk drivers. These are preventable tragedies. Nothing will ever bring my Samantha back or bring Braun back to the Levi family, but in signing SB 907 California is finally stepping up for victims."

"Thank you to Governor Newsom and the First Partner for listening, taking action, and helping make our state safer by signing SB 907, including Braun's Law." said Jennifer Levi, mother of Braun Levi. " I am deeply grateful to Senator Archuleta and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman's office for their unwavering support in moving this legislation across the finish line. Today, I am proud to be a Californian and inspired by what can happen when people use their voices and leaders choose to take action."

Today's signed bills also include:
  • Assembly Bill 1546 by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) — Vehicles: driving under the influence
  • Assembly Bill 1685 by Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) — Driving privilege: points
  • Assembly Bill 1687 by Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) — Driver's licenses: revocation. A signing message can be viewed here.

"Over the course of the last year, we've heard heartbreaking testimony from families across California who have lost loved ones due to drunk driving. These are completely preventable deaths, and yet the statistics show that California is falling behind in the fight to stop a growing epidemic," said Assemblymember Schultz, Chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee. "Governor Newsom's signature on AB 1546 strengthens the penalties for repeat DUI offenders, and it's a positive step forward in our effort to improve public safety in all of our communities."

More on The Californer
"As a former California Highway Patrol sergeant, I have seen firsthand the heartbreak and devastation that impaired driving can leave behind. When someone makes the reckless decision to drive under the influence, the consequences can be irreversible," said Assemblymember Lackey. "In an instant, a family can lose a parent, a child can lose a mother or father, and a life that should have continued is gone forever. No family should ever have to suffer that kind of loss because someone chose to drive drunk. These bills are about preventing those tragedies before they happen, and to keep impaired drivers off our roads. I thank Governor Newsom for signing these measures into law. We may come from different political parties, but protecting innocent lives and making sure every Californian has the chance to make it home safely is something we should all stand behind."

Strengthening California's leadership

Together, the bills reinforce California's approach to crack down on repeated offenders and deter future drinking and driving incidents. By:

✅ Strengthening criminal penalties for repeat DUI offenders.

✅ Imposing longer license revocation and ignition interlock device mandates for these repeat offenders.

✅ Increasing DMV violation points from two to three for convictions of vehicular manslaughter and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

✅ Extending the timeframe for how long the DMV can revoke a person's license after they have been convicted for their third DUI from three to eight years.

Prioritizing public safety

Under Governor Newsom, California has prioritized prevention, education and enforcement to keep impaired drivers off the road.

So far this year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has made over 50,900 DUI arrests, conducted 75 sobriety checkpoints and 154 saturation patrols statewide, and delivered 64 traffic safety presentations statewide.

Across the state, partnerships with local law enforcement have also removed impaired drivers from streets and highways. For example, in July 2026, the CHP awarded more than $41 million in cannabis tax-funded grants to 183 organizations statewide for impaired-driving enforcement, public education, officer training and forensic testing.

Press releases, Recent news

https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkur..." rel="nofollow">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/x?linkurl=https...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=h...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/copy_link?linku...">Recent news

More on The Californer
Governor Newsom signs bills to keep strengthening security and safe access for California's faith and nonprofit communities

Sep 25, 2026

News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed AB 1836 and AB 2664 to build on California's investments in nonprofit security, helping Californians safely access community spaces and places of worship. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed bills that...

Governor Newsom applauds federal film and TV tax credit bill, answering his call to keep production in America

Sep 24, 2026

News California's expanded Film and TV Tax Credit Program is driving jobs and new projects, and the Governor just signed new laws to build on that success What you need to know: The Governor issued support for the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment...

NEW: Report shows major progress in California on preparing for wildfire, avoiding millions of tons of carbon pollution and toxic smoke

Sep 24, 2026

News What you need to know: As Governor Newsom highlights California's climate leadership during Climate Week NYC, a new state report shows how California is turning climate action into real protection for people, forests and communities facing a hotter, drier future....

Filed Under: Government, State
Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on The Californer