On Tuesday, March 15th, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to send a letter of support for Senate Bill 1046. The bill was recently introduced in Sacremento.
The bill, if passed, would require even first time offenders convicted of DUI to install an ignition interlock device onto any vehicle they own or operate. This device would measure the blood-alcohol content on the driver’s breath. If alcohol is detected, the ignition does not unlock and the vehicle will not start.
Currently, only four California counties participate in the pilot program to require this of first time offenders. Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare were the four pilot counties chosen to participate in the initial program.
Senate Bill 1046 was introduced in February by Sen. Jerry Hill, a San Mateo County Democrat. The bill is backed by M.A.D.D., who plans to lobby aggressively to pass the bill.
M.A.D.D statistics indicate that there were 30 DUI deaths in San Diego County from May to December of 2015. There have already been a few high-profile DUI deaths this year.
The bill also has bi-partisan support. Republican Sen. Joel Anderson and Assemblyman Brian Mainschein co-authored the bill. The first hearing for the bill is March 29th before the Senate Public Safety Committee.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you will need legal representation. Our attorneys are all experienced in DUI defense. Contact us today.
