SB 1046 will make it mandatory for DUI Offender to install interlock device
(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the Assembly Transportation Committee approved SB 1046, a bipartisan measure authored by Senator Jerry Hill, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia and Assemblymember Kathryn Baker.
“The passing of SB 1046 is a significant milestone towards ensuring and preventing the loss of lives as a result of driving under the influence,” said Assemblymember Garcia. In 2013 Celena Nava, a 25 year old medical professional from the City of Coachella, was killed by a three time DUI offender while she was jogging near her home. This incident is an example of many stories shared by families who testified at today’s hearing.
SB 1046 extends and expands an existing pilot program to require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for a specified period of time as a mandatory condition of receiving a restricted or reinstated driver’s license for all driving under the influence (DUI) offenders statewide.
IID tests the blood alcohol content of a driver and prevents a car from starting if the driver has been drinking. Interlock devices are currently required for DUI offenders in four counties – Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare. Senate Bill 1046 would expand the pilot program to all 58 counties in California.
In California, more than 50,000 people have died and over 1 million have been injured because of drunk drivers in the past 30 years. In just five years, between 2010 and 2015, ignition interlock devices have prevented more than 1 million attempts to drink and drive in California, according to a recent MADD study.
SB 1046 will now be heard in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee for further consideration.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
