BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  AB 840
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   May 1, 2013

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                                  Mike Gatto, Chair

                   AB 840 (Ammiano) - As Amended:  March 21, 2013 

          Policy Committee:                               
          TransportationVote:10-2

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program:  
          No     Reimbursable:               

           SUMMARY  

          This bill requires that every application for an original or  
          renewal of a driver's license include a statement requiring the  
          applicant to acknowledge they understand the dangers of  
          distracted driving.

           FISCAL EFFECT  

          One-time special fund costs to the DMV of $270,000 for  
          destruction of existing forms ($120,000) and programming to  
          modify online and renewal by mail forms ($150,000). [Motor  
          Vehicle Account]

           COMMENTS  

           1)Purpose  . The current DMV driver's license or identification  
            card application is a four-page document requiring specific  
            personal information. Upon completion, the person is to sign,  
            under penalty of perjury, the application, which includes a  
            number of disclosure statements and certifications.  This  
            bill, within the aforementioned acknowledgements, adds a  
            statement that the applicant is aware of the dangers  
            associated with distracted driving.

            The author asserts that law enforcement often has a difficult  
            time prosecuting drivers involved in an accident resulting  
            from distracted driving. To be successful, the prosecution  
            must be able to prove that a driver knew, or should have  
            known, that distracted driving is dangerous.  The author  
            therefore contends AB 840 will allow local law enforcement  
            agencies to prosecute violations resulting in an accident  








                                                                  AB 840
                                                                  Page  2

            causing serious injury or death by establishing intent that  
            the driver is aware that distracted driving is dangerous.  

           2)Prior legislation  . AB 2173 (Parra), Chapter 502 of 2004,  
            addressed a similar policy issue associated with persons  
            convicted of DUI.  AB 2173 required convicted drivers to sign  
            a statement issued by a court that clearly details the public  
            safety threats associated with driving under the influence.  

           Analysis Prepared by  :    Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081