California Days Away From Changing How Police Pull Drivers Over
Story by Kaitlin Lewis •
22h
California law enforcement will now have to tell drivers why they pulled them over before engaging in any questioning related to the traffic stop, thanks to a new state law that's set to take effect on January 1.
The bill, A.B. 2773, was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2022 and is intended to prevent "pretextual stops," a situation where an officer stops a vehicle or pedestrian for a minor violation with the intent of searching the individual for signs of higher-level crime indicators. The law applies to traffic and pedestrian stops made by any "peace officer," a term used to describe all law enforcement personnel at the state and local level.
Advocates for the bill argue that the new law will help protect citizens who are disproportionately impacted by minor traffic violations, such as Black Californian drivers. California Assemblymember Chris Holden, who authored the bill, said during an assembly floor analysis last August that the purpose of the law is "to promote equity and accountability in communities across California."
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