BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    



                                                                  AB 1385
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   May 9, 2007

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                                  Mark Leno, Chair

                  AB 1385 (Garrick ) - As Amended:  April 24, 2007 

          Policy Committee:                              Public  
          SafetyVote:  7-0

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program:  
          Yes    Reimbursable:              No

           SUMMARY  

          This bill increases, from an infraction (punishable by a fine of  
          up to $250) to a misdemeanor (punishable by up to six months in  
          county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000), the penalty for  
          operating a motorized scooter while under the influence. 
           
           FISCAL EFFECT  

          Minor nonreimbursable local incarceration costs, offset to a  
          degree by increased fine revenue.

           COMMENTS  

           Rationale  . The CHP states, "Currently, riding a bicycle under  
          the influence of alcohol or drugs is a misdemeanor while  
          operating a motorized scooter under the influence of alcohol or  
          drugs is only an infraction. Operating a motorized scooter while  
          under the influence of alcohol or drugs is just as dangerous, if  
          not more dangerous, than riding a bicycle under the influence of  
          alcohol or drugs. This bill would bring Vehicle Code section  
          21221.5 (motorized scooter DUI) in line with Vehicle Code  
          Section 21200.5 (bicycle DUI) by making it a misdemeanor. 


           Analysis Prepared by  :    Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081