California Gov. Newsom signs Braun's Law and other bills cracking down on DUI offenders

California Governor Gavin Newsom signs a four-bill legislative package, including "Braun's Law" (SB 907), to significantly toughen penalties for repeat DUI offenders. Inspired by the fatal May 2025 crash of 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi, the new laws allow prosecutors to charge third-time DUI offenders with felonies, extend license suspensions up to eight years, and increase DMV points for vehicular manslaughter. The reforms follow intense advocacy from grieving families.

New legislation signed by governor Newsom

• ▪California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of four bills on September 25, 2026, to toughen penalties and increase accountability for repeat DUI drivers.
• ▪The signed DUI bill package extends the timeframe for how long the California Department of Motor Vehicles can revoke a person's license after a third DUI conviction from three years to eight years.

Senate Bill 907 and Braun's Law

• ▪Senate Bill 907, known as "Braun's Law," requires that drivers convicted of a DUI be formally warned that they can face more serious charges, including murder, if they are caught driving drunk again, starting Jan. 1.
• ▪State Senator Bob Archuleta, whose granddaughter was also killed by an impaired driver, introduced Senate Bill 907 and described the legislative effort as a personal fight.

Assembly Bill 1546

• ▪Assemblymember Nick Schultz, who chairs the Assembly's Public Safety Committee, introduced Assembly Bill 1546 and called the legislation a needed step to improve public safety.
• ▪Assembly Bill 1546 makes a third DUI conviction within 10 years a "wobbler" (felony or misdemeanor) and mandates a felony charge with up to three years in prison for a fifth conviction, starting in 2033.

Assembly Bill 1685 and DMV points

• ▪Under California law, a driver can have their license suspended if they accumulate four points in one year, six points in two years, or eight points in three years
• ▪Assembly Bill 1685 increases the California Department of Motor Vehicles violation points from two to three for convictions of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and with gross negligence.

The death of Braun Levi

• ▪Braun Levi, an 18-year-old Loyola High School student and tennis star, was killed on May 4, 2025, after being hit on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach by an allegedly intoxicated driver.
• ▪Jennifer Levi, the mother of Braun Levi, advocated for stronger DUI laws in California following her son's death, stating that the state's existing laws were unsafe and embarrassing.
• ▪Jenia Resha Belt, who allegedly had an alcohol level twice the legal limit and a suspended license, faces charges of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended license for causing Braun Levi's death.

Debatable claims

• ▪Charging repeat DUI drivers who cause fatal crashes with murder is justified
• ▪California should prioritize rehabilitation over harsher prison sentences for repeat DUI offenders
• ▪Extending driver's license suspensions for repeat DUI offenders does more harm than good