Two State Bills Pass CA Senate Transportation Committee, Part of PCH Safety Effort

As part of the City's commitment to ensuring public safety in the community, and specifically, improving safety conditions on PCH, the City sent a delegation of officials to Sacramento to support two state traffic safety bills, SB 1297 and SB 1509. Both bills were approved by the key State Senate Transportation Committee and will continue through the legislative process.

State Bill 1509 Approved in Senate Transportation Committee Continuing On in Legislature Process, Part of Effort to Improve PCH SafetY

Today, SB 1509, the Negligent Operator Treatment bill authored by Senator Stern, successfully cleared a significant hurdle as it passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee, signaling progress in its journey through the state legislative process.

The bill, which aims to address negligent driving behaviors on California roadways, received strong support from a delegation of Malibu City officials who attended the committee hearing. Notably, the Malibu City Council previously voted to endorse SB 1509 on March 11, recognizing the importance of proactive measures to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies within the community.

Malibu resident Michel Shane, father of Emily Shane who tragically lost her life 14 years ago to a reckless driver on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), spoke during the committee hearing in support of SB 1509, sharing his personal experience, and advocating for the passage of the bill. His moving testimony underscored the need for legislative action to prevent loss of life due to excess speeding on California roadways.

Following the hearing, Senator Stern conveyed his personal connection to Malibu and commitment to moving SB 1509 forward. "SB 1509 isn't just a bill; it's my pledge to my childhood home, Malibu. With each step as this bill moves forward in the legislative process, we're honoring the lives lost on our roads, transforming tragedy into action. I know the legacy of people like Emily Shane, who was killed on PCH, will no longer be a story of loss and inaction, but will now be a story of hope and change."

Mayor Uhring emphasized the significance of SB 1509 in combating the primary factor in collisions and fatalities: speeding. "Speeding remains the primary factor in collisions and fatalities on PCH in Malibu," stated Mayor Uhring. "SB 1509 represents a crucial step towards addressing this issue by holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We commend Senator Stern for his leadership on this issue and urge continued support for this important legislation."

SB 1509 proposes amendments to existing law to deter reckless driving behaviors and promote responsible habits behind the wheel. A key provision of the bill would amend current statutes to classify convictions for driving more than 26 MPH over the speed limit as a two-point violation against an individual's driver's license on certain roadways.

With the passage of SB 1509 out of the Senate Transportation Committee, the bill now proceeds to the next stage of the State legislative process.

Speed Safety Legislation Moves Forward in State Legislature

Senate Bill 1297, introduced by Senator Allen, passed the Senate Transportation Committee today - a key step in enhancing road safety along California's scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

The proposed legislation includes the placement of up to five speed camera systems along a critical 21-mile stretch of Malibu's PCH. These systems will be coordinated with radar feedback signs to effectively deter speeding and reckless driving and promote safer road behaviors.

The impetus for this legislation stems from the tragic losses experienced by members of the Malibu community. The hearing witnessed heartfelt testimony from two individuals who have tragically lost family members to speeding motorists on PCH. Michel Shane shared the heart-wrenching story of his daughter Emily, who was killed by a speeding motorist 14 years ago. Barry Stewart recounted the devastating loss of his daughter Peyton, and three of her Pepperdine University classmates who were killed on October 17, 2023, in a collision involving a speeding driver traveling at 104 MPH.

Accompanying the fathers were representatives from the City of Malibu, including Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary, and Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown. Their presence and advocacy highlighted the unwavering commitment of Malibu's leadership to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors.

"As a father, I am heartbroken every time I see yet another news report of a fatal car crash on PCH," said Senator Allen who represents Malibu in the state Senate and is authoring the legislation. "The Malibu community is devastated by far too many serious injuries and deaths each year. Today's passage of SB 1297 out of committee is the first step to providing the City with the necessary tools to crack down on reckless speeding and save lives."

In emphasizing the City's commitment to addressing safety hazards on PCH, Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart stated, "We are taking an 'all of the above' approach to ensure the safety of all who travel along Pacific Coast Highway. In addition to legislative measures, the City is actively working with our law enforcement partners, the California Department of Transportation, the California Office of Traffic Safety, and other key stakeholders to implement comprehensive safety initiatives."

Malibu's traffic environment is uniquely hazardous, with few sidewalks or separated bike lanes, limited parking, regionally popular beaches, and commercial establishments adjacent to a major highway with few safe ways to cross. Those conditions are all worsened by significant speeding, leading to a high incident of collisions and fatalities.

Over the past five years Malibu has had the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from vehicle crashes among similarly sized cities. Since 2010, 60 people have been killed in traffic accidents along PCH in Malibu. In 2023, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department issued a staggering 7,580 violations for speeding. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the City of Malibu contracted with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to address this issue. Since their deployment in January of 2024, CHP has issued 846 moving violations, with a notable 727 of those citations being for speeding.

The legislation will help implement a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique safety challenges posed by PCH. By integrating advanced technology, such as speed camera systems with radar feedback signs, lawmakers aim to promote responsible driving behaviors and save lives along one of California's most iconic roadways.

As the bill advances to the next stages of the legislative process, stakeholders remain steadfast in their commitment to realizing safer roadways for all Californians. The outcome of today's hearing signals an important milestone in the ongoing pursuit of road safety and underscores the power of community-driven advocacy in effecting meaningful change.

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