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Lawmakers are debating just how long first time offenders should be required to keep the device in their cars.
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Rhonda Campbell with Mothers Against Drunk Driving says lawmakers have passed a new bill, AB 2210, out of the Public Safety Committee to tackle drunk driving.
“This is the first time that it’s ever made it out of Public Safety, so that gives me hope that we’re on the right track with things and we’re going to be able to get this bill moved through and get it pushed into law,” said Campbell.
After years of fighting to move the bill forward, MADD said the committee agreed to a pilot program covering five counties in California. It would ensure all DUI offenders, including first-timers, are required to install ignition interlock devices, or breathing devices, in their cars to prevent them from driving drunk. The current law doesn’t apply to first-time offenders.
“We will be moving forward with this bill as an all offender ignition interlock bill with a five county pilot program that will include Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties,” Campbell said.
She said the bill will be named Angel’s Law.
“After Angel Renteria, who most of us will remember was the victim of a DUI crash here in Sacramento County and suffered horrible injuries,” said Campbell.
The once vibrant TikTokking teenager, who enjoyed spending time with friends, was hit by a DUI hit-and-run driver while walking her dog near her home in Galt back in 2022.
She was in the hospital for five months and left unable walk, speak or even feed herself at just 16 years old. Angel and her mom made an appearance during the Public Safety hearing.
“She and her mom testified, and I’m so proud of them. I’m so proud that their name is going to be on something that is going to be out there saving lives,” said Campbell.
The offender would have to pay a maximum of $3 a day for the device, and they must it anywhere from 12 to 48 months, depending on how many DUI’s are on their record. That has been a sticking point, so the discussion has turned to income-based pricing.
“I think they’re still working on it. They have a step program. The cost I’m being told could get as low as 23 cents a day for an offender to have this in their car,” said Campbell.
Lawmakers are also debating just how long first time offenders should be required to keep the device in their cars.
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