10/22/07-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law earlier this month allowing people to be charged with murder if they kill someone while driving drunk.
Sponsored by Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford, AB808 requires motorists and others when applying or renewing their license to sign a statement indicating they know driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and could result in death. If they kill someone while driving intoxicated prosecutors will be allowed to admit into evidence the Department of Motor Vehicles document signed by the driver.
Anyone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and kills someone could get a 15-years-to-life sentence.
California law previously limited prosecutors to charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence charges. Maximum penalties were 10 years in prison.