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Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a package of bills aimed at cracking down on DUI offenders in California, including Braun’s Law, a measure named after a Loyola High School student.
Senate Bill 907 is named after Braun Levi, an 18-year-old nationally ranked tennis player who was struck and killed by a suspected repeat drunk driver in Manhattan Beach in May 2025.
The law is intended to ensure drivers whose DUI charges are reduced to lesser offenses are warned that if they drive under the influence again and seriously injure or kill someone, they could face more severe charges, including murder.
Jennifer Levi, Braun’s mother, told Eyewitness News the legislation honors her son’s memory.
“It’s a reminder that he’s gone, and it’s a very, very painful reminder, yet at the same time, I’m proud that I’ve done something in honor of his life and legacy,” she said.
RELATED: Mom of student killed by suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach calls for tougher DUI laws
“It was tragic, traumatic, and sudden, and it didn’t have to happen. And he was a great kid, and he had a wonderful life, he loved life. He loved everybody, he elevated the room, he was kind, courageous, inclusive,” she added.
The bill was authored by Sen. Bob Archuleta, D-Pico Rivera, who said the issue is personal after losing his granddaughter, Samantha, to a repeat drunk driver. He has described both deaths as preventable tragedies.
“Having lost my granddaughter to a repeat drunk driver, this is personal. No family should have to endure what mine has, or what has happened to the Levi family,” said Senator Archuleta.
“These are preventable tragedies. Nothing will ever bring my Samantha back or bring Braun back to the Levi family, but in signing SB 907 California is finally stepping up for victims,” he added.
Braun’s Law was among several DUI-related measures signed by Newsom that state officials said are intended to strengthen penalties and accountability for repeat offenders.
Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 1546, which strengthens penalties for repeat DUI offenders.
Two additional measures by Assemblymember Tom Lackey, AB 1685 and AB 1687, increase DMV violation points for certain intoxicated-driving convictions and extend the period the DMV can revoke the license of someone convicted of a third DUI offense.
State officials said the measures are designed to strengthen accountability for repeat offenders and help keep impaired drivers off California roadways.
“No family should ever have to suffer that kind of loss because someone chose to drive drunk. These bills are about preventing those tragedies before they happen, and to keep impaired drivers off our roads,” Lackey said.
The signing comes as the criminal case connected to Levi’s death moves forward.
Jenia Belt is accused of driving under the influence when she struck Levi in Manhattan Beach. Prosecutors have said she was driving on a suspended license following a previous DUI arrest.
Belt faces up to life in prison if convicted. She pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to a Torrance courtroom on Oct. 22 for a pretrial hearing. She remains in custody.
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