California DUI Reform Bill Gutted, Removing Mandatory Breathalyzers for First-Time Offenders
A significant DUI reform bill in California, which aimed to mandate in-car breathalyzers for all DUI convictions, has been substantially altered by a State Senate committee. The original bill sought to align California with most other states by requiring ignition interlock devices even for first-time offenders. However, an updated version of the legislation, emerging after amendments approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, has effectively removed this key provision. This change means that mandatory breathalyzers will no longer be required for thousands of first-time DUI offenders, a departure from the bill's initial intent. The amendments were made despite widespread support from other lawmakers and families of drunk driving victims, leading to questions and concerns among advocates. 
