Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced on Friday the signing of a bill by Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) named “”Braun’s Law” in an effort to crack down on DUI offenders.
The bill was in honor of Braun Levi, the 18-year-old who was fatally struck by a suspected repeat drunken driver while he was walking in Manhattan Beach in 2025. Levi was a Loyola High School student and nationally ranked tennis player.
According to Gov. Newsom’s office, this new law will help to ensure that drivers whose DUI charges are pleaded down to a lesser charge are made aware that impaired driving is extremely dangerous to human life and, if they commit this act again, they could be charged with a more serious crime, including murder.
Braun was walking on Sepulveda Boulevard May 4, 2025 in Manhattan Beach when he was hit by a driver. He later died at a hospital.
Braun was just weeks away from graduation and making plans to continue playing tennis at the University of Virginia.
He and his family had relocated from Pacific Palisades to Manhattan Beach after they lost their home in the Palisades Fire in January 2025.
“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 Sen. Archuleta. “Thank you to Governor Newsom for taking bold action to support families that have been devastated by drunk drivers. 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.”
“Thank you to Governor Newsom and the First Partner for listening, taking action, and helping make our state safer by signing SB 907, including Braun’s Law.” said Jennifer Levi, mother of Braun Levi. “I am deeply grateful to Senator Archuleta and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s office for their unwavering support in moving this legislation across the finish line. Today, I am proud to be a Californian and inspired by what can happen when people use their voices and leaders choose to take action.”
In December, a woman behind the wheel of the car that hit Braun was charged with murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.