Sacramento, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ legislation to strengthen California’s ignition interlock device (IID) program, AB 1830, passed unanimously out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The bill would require ignition interlock devices—breathalyzers installed in vehicles—for individuals convicted of a first-time DUI, a step aimed at preventing impaired driving before it leads to tragedy.
At the hearing, lawmakers heard powerful testimony from Colin Campbell, who lost his teenage children, Ruby and Hart, and was severely injured with his wife in a crash caused by a drunk driver. His story underscores the devastating human toll of impaired driving and the urgent need for stronger safeguards. Ignition interlock devices have proven to be an effective, offender-funded solution—preventing more than 30,500 attempts at drunk driving in California in 2023 alone.
“Too many families are forced to endure unimaginable loss because of preventable drunk driving crashes,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “There should be no ‘first-time free pass’—accountability must begin with the first conviction, before offenders become repeat threats. California’s current system is failing too many families. AB 1830 is about prevention, accountability, and making sure no family has to experience another avoidable tragedy.”
AB 1830 builds on prior efforts to expand California’s IID program and aligns the state with more than 30 others that have adopted all-offender requirements. In addition to saving lives, the measure helps California remain eligible for critical federal transportation funding while reducing the significant economic and public safety costs associated with drunk driving. The bill now heads to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations for further consideration.
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Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents California’s 73rd District including Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin. She is the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Budget Committee; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee; Insurance Committee; and, Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. After working her way through Yale University, where she double majored in Economics and English, Cottie had a successful 20-year career in finance and technology. She helped to build businesses and led teams at Fortune 500 corporations, small companies and start-ups. Follow the Assemblywoman on Instagram (@asmcottie) and Facebook (AssemblywomanCPN).