Back in March, we wrote about California’s historic push to overhaul its DUI laws – a sweeping package of bills designed to significantly strengthen consequences for drunk driving in California. Two of those bills, SB 907 and AB 1830, are now reaching a critical moment in the legislative process, and if you’ve been following these developments, here’s what’s happening right now.
Where Things Stand: June 30 Committee Hearings
Both bills are undergoing committee hearings this week:
- SB 907 is receiving a hearing before the Assembly Public Safety Committee on June 30
- AB 1830 is receiving a hearing before the Senate Public Safety Committee and Senate Transportation Committee this week
These hearings are a critical step. Bills that don’t advance out of committee typically die, so this week’s votes will determine whether both measures continue moving toward becoming law.
Quick Recap: What Each Bill Would Do
AB 1830 – Mandatory IID for All DUI Convictions
Currently, California only requires ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI offenders. AB 1830, authored by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, would require IID installation for all DUI convictions – including first-time offenders.
California currently receives an F grade from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for its interlock laws. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, laws like AB 1830 reduce drunk driving deaths by 26%. Thirty-four other states plus Washington D.C. already have similar requirements in place.
If AB 1830 passes, first-time DUI offenders in San Bernardino County and Riverside County who are currently not required to install an IID would face that requirement going forward – adding cost and compliance obligations on top of existing DUI program, SR-22, and license reinstatement requirements.
We covered IID requirements in detail in our earlier post: [California’s Expanded IID Requirements: What DUI Offenders in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Need to Know]
SB 907 – Braun’s Law and Expanded Watson Advisements
SB 907, authored by Senator Archuleta, includes several provisions. The most significant is Braun’s Law, which would expand Watson advisements to cover situations where a DUI charge is dismissed or reduced to any other charge – including a hit and run.
Currently, Watson advisements – which formally warn defendants that future impaired driving resulting in a death could lead to second-degree murder charges – are only required when someone is actually convicted of a DUI. SB 907 would close that gap, ensuring the warning applies even when charges are reduced or dismissed.
This matters because someone whose DUI is pled down to a wet reckless or hit and run currently may not receive that formal warning – and may not face murder charges if they later drive drunk and kill someone. Braun’s Law changes that.
What This Means If You’re Currently in a DUI Program
These bills have not yet been signed into law. Both are still moving through the legislative process, and there is no guarantee either will pass in their current form.
If you are currently enrolled in a DUI program in San Bernardino County or Riverside County, your current program requirements are not affected by pending legislation. Complete what the court or DMV has ordered, stay consistent with attendance, and work with your program provider if anything changes with your case.
What these bills signal, however, is the direction California is heading – toward stricter consequences, broader IID requirements, and fewer gaps in how the law applies to DUI offenders at every level.
Stay Informed
We’ll continue to monitor both SB 907 and AB 1830 as they move through the legislature and will post updates as significant developments occur.
If you have questions about your current DUI program requirements in San Bernardino County or Riverside County, contact Jackson Bibby Awareness Group at any of our three locations:
Redlands: (909) 792-6925
Victorville: (760) 241-3300
Barstow: (760) 256-6114
We serve individuals convicted in, living in, or working in San Bernardino County and Riverside County. Classes available in English and Spanish, with flexible scheduling options and virtual classes available for qualifying clients.
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