Bill Would Hold Politicians Accountable for DUI’s

SACRAMENTO, Calif., – Today Assemblyman Bill Essayli announced his legislation House Resolution 51 which will prohibit any Member of the California State Assembly from driving a state pool car for a period of 3 years following a DUI conviction.

“Last year, over 1,000 Californians died as a result of drunk drivers. When I was a prosecutor, I fought to keep our roads safe by prosecuting and convicting drunk drivers. Now as a Member of the Assembly, I am troubled by recent incidents of legislators and candidates drinking and driving. Public officials must be held to the highest standards given the public trust placed in us, which is why I’ve introduced House Resolution 51, remarked Assemblyman Bill Essayli.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California Executive Director Patricia Rillera wrote in support of HR 51 “MADD appreciates and supports your desire to hold convicted DUI offenders who are Members of the State Assembly accountable by prohibiting them from operating state pool vehicles for three years (HR 51). Limiting access to state pool vehicles in addition to requiring ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders will not only hold elected officials accountable but will lead to much-needed change in driving behavior and decision-making that endangers California residents and visitors every day.”

Pool cars are provided by the Senate and Assembly for legislators to drive in Sacramento in addition to the free ground transportation services offered by the Sergeant-at-Arms Department. House Resolution 51 amending Assembly Rule 120 now awaits referral by the Assembly Rules Committee and may be acted upon when the Legislature returns from Summer Recess August 14.

Assemblyman Bill Essayli represents the 63rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the whole cities of Norco, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and Canyon Lake, as well as portions of the cities of Eastvale, Riverside, and Corona.

Editors Note: Sampling of Elected Officials with DUI’s

• July 2023: CA Assembly Candidate/Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes arrested for DUI (more info)
• May 2023: CA Senator Dave Min arrested for DUI (see video)
• May 2023: Elk Grove city council member Sergio Robles cited for DUI (more info)
• Aug 2022: Concord Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister charged with DUI (Claycord)
• March 2022: Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe charged with DUI in March 2022 – see CHP Dash Cam video
• July 2021 – Kingsburg Councilmember Jewel Hurtado arrested for DUI (more info)