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Newsom Signs Braun’s Law, Toughening Repeat DUI Murder Charges

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 3:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of DUI bills, including Braun’s Law, on September 25, 2026.
Braun’s Law raises felony penalties for repeat DUI crashes causing death or serious injury within ten years.
The law also requires courts to warn drivers with lesser DUI charges that a repeat could trigger a murder charge.
Assemblymember Tom Lackey added AB 1685 and AB 1687 to increase points, extend license revocation, and mandate a four-year ignition-interlock.
Driver Jenia Belt, charged with murder and DUI for the May 2025 crash, pleaded not guilty; hearing set for October 22, 2026.

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Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of DUI bills, including Braun’s Law, on September 25, 2026.
Braun’s Law raises felony penalties for repeat DUI crashes causing death or serious injury within ten years.
The law also requires courts to warn drivers with lesser DUI charges that a repeat could trigger a murder charge.
Assemblymember Tom Lackey added AB 1685 and AB 1687 to increase points, extend license revocation, and mandate a four-year ignition-interlock.
Driver Jenia Belt, charged with murder and DUI for the May 2025 crash, pleaded not guilty; hearing set for October 22, 2026.