Last week Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1509, the “NOT in California Act.” SB 1509 was a proposed law to combat excessive speeding on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

The bill, co-authored by State Senators Henry Stern and the Westside’s Ben Allen, and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, sought to impose stricter penalties for repeat speeding offenses. It was designed to improve road safety in Malibu and other coastal communities where high speeds have led to numerous fatalities.

California has seen an increase in the number of speed-related collisions that result in death and or serious injury. California ranked second in the nation for most speeding-related traffic fatalities in both 2020 and 2021.

The bill would have made convictions for driving 26 miles per hour over the speed limit a two-point driver’s license violation on certain roads, including PCH, putting drivers at greater risk of losing their licenses after committing these offenses.

In his veto message, Governor Newsom cited several concerns with the bill, suggesting there should be an option for speeders to attend traffic school, making the two-point accumulation less frequent, and that the two-point penalty would apply only to those convicted of the same excessive speeding offense.

He added that SB 1509 would require modifications to the Department of Motor Vehicles computer systems, which are already undergoing a “comprehensive” modernization and would disrupt the state’s efforts to balance the budget.

He then emphasized the need for financial discipline in light of the state’s current budget and called for alternative measures to address dangerous speeding without creating significant fiscal strain.

“In partnership with the Legislature this year, my administration has enacted a balanced budget that avoids deep program cuts to vital services and protected investments in education, health care, climate, public safety, housing, and social service programs that millions of Californians rely on. It is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications that are not included in the budget, such as this measure,” said Governor Newsom in his veto message.

In response to Governor Newsom’s veto, Senator Ben Allen expressed his disappointment over the decision.

“Dangerous speeding continues to kill too many people. I am disappointed by the veto of SB 1509 that would have provided a strong enforcement tool against excessive speeding, but I’m looking forward to working with the Governor to find solutions that will make our streets safer for all—one such local solution was just signed this morning—SB 1297, said Senator Allen.”

Senate Bill 1297 was also co-authored by Senators Allen and Stern and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, with Assemblymember Laura Friedman offering her support as well. It was signed by Governor Newsom on Friday right in Malibu.

SB 1297 builds on a pilot program established in 2023 that authorized the city of Malibu to install speed cameras at five locations to help enforce speed limits.

“The signing of SB 1297 today is a huge win for the safety of Malibu visitors and residents,” said Senator Allen in a press release last Friday. “The iconic Pacific Coast Highway is a beautiful but exceedingly dangerous stretch of road that needs thoughtful investments and improvements to save lives. I’m grateful that my colleagues and the Governor saw the proven track record speed cameras have to slow down traffic and agreed to let the City utilize these tools to better the lives of motorists and pedestrians in the region.”

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