Tag: SB 1297

MALIBU—On April 10, the City of Malibu issued a press release on the City’s Alert page notifying the public of recent state legislation. There will be both in-person and Zoom meetings to keep residents informed and to help navigate the new Malibu Speed Safety Program.

According to the California Legislative Information webpage, Chapter 631 of Senate Bill 1297 (SB1297) is an Act to amend a bill that is already in play.

“An act to amend Section 70615 of the Government Code, and to add and repeal Article 4 (commencing with Section 22435) of Chapter 7 of Division 11 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.” This bill was initially approved by Governor Newsom and filed with the Secretary of State on September 27, 2024.

The additional article added to SB 1297 was introduced after four Pepperdine University students lost their lives while standing alongside the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). They were killed on October 17, 2023. The driver was traveling at an excess of 104 miles per hour when he lost control of his vehicle.

Since 2010, a total of 59 people have been killed in vehicle-related incidents on PCH within Malibu city limits.

There are two meetings scheduled to better explain the new policies and who they apply to. The verbiage of the bill states “Not-withstanding other laws,” in multiple places. For example, the new legislation would require those arrested for speeding in the designated areas to pay hefty fines unless they do not meet certain income requirements such as being indigent or less than 250 percent of the poverty level.

The public is invited to a virtual meeting on April 23, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The in-person meeting will be held at Malibu City Hall located at, 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., on April 30, at 6:00 p.m.

The following came directly from the City of Malibu webpage.

“The City of Malibu is committed to prioritizing the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Following [the] California State Legislature adoption of SB 1297, the City of Malibu is excited to announce the Malibu Speed Safety Program. Join us to learn more about how the program will address safety concerns and speed-related collisions in the community!”

By Sharon

MALIBU—On Tuesday, June 18, the city of Malibu announced that Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), which authorizes the use of speed camera systems in designated areas of Malibu successfully passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee June 17. The legislation aims to enhance road safety and decrease speeding-related incidents in the community.

SB 1297, introduced by Senator Ben Allen, whose 24th District includes Malibu, received support from several Committee members, community and safety advocates, and law enforcement officials. The bill will now advance to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee for further consideration.

“We are thrilled that SB 1297 has taken this significant step forward,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “The implementation of speed camera systems is a crucial measure to protect our residents, pedestrians, and visitors from the dangers of speeding. This technology will serve as a deterrent, encourage responsible driving, and ultimately save lives.”

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (whose 42nd District includes Malibu), co-author of SB 1297, joined Senator Allen at Monday’s hearing, and stated, “This legislation represents a critical step towards making our roads safer. I am proud to support SB 1297 and look forward to its continued progress through the Assembly.”

The proposed speed camera systems will be placed in five high-risk areas along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch, where speeding poses a serious threat to public safety. Data gathered from other communities and countries that have utilized similar measures show an average of 41 percent reduction in fatal or incapacitating injury crashes.

Bridget Thompson, a classmate of the Pepperdine students killed on PCH back in October 2023, testified in Sacramento in support of the bill. “This legislation is a necessary step towards ensuring that no other family or community has to endure the pain we have experienced. Speed cameras will make our roads safer for everyone,” said Thompson

Michel Shane, father of Emily Shane who was killed in 2010 on PCH testified, saying, “The passage of SB 1297 out of committee is a beacon of hope for those of us who have lost loved ones to reckless driving. It is a crucial step towards preventing future tragedies on our roads.”

“We thank the Assembly Transportation Committee for their support and recognition of the importance of this bill,” added Mayor Uhring. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to make Malibu a safer place for everyone.”

By Trevor