(SACRAMENTO) — On Wednesday, Senator George Runner’s (R-Antelope Valley) legislation to recover costs from convicted fleeing felons has received approval by the State Senate.  

“Taxpayers are footing the bill for high speed chases that wreak havoc on our roads and endanger people’s lives.  These fleeing offenders need to repay the taxpayers for the high costs that law enforcement must expend to capture them,” said Senator Runner.

Senate Bill 126 passed with a 30-2 vote by the full State Senate.  The bill requires individuals that cause a high speed chase or evade peace officers to be responsible for the excessive costs that law enforcement incurs if they are convicted of unlawfully evading or attempting to evade peace officers.  Personal liability will not exceed $12,000 per incident.  The legislation would require the convicted offender to first pay restitution to any victim and then repay law enforcement for excessive costs they incur.

Runner continued, “High speed chases are dangerous and it’s past time to stop these fleeing individuals and their blatant disregard of the safety of others and for property.” 

SB 126 is widely supported by law enforcement including: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Protective League, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Peace Officers Research Association of California, California Fire Chiefs Association, Fire Districts Association of California, and the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association.

High speed chases are up 49% since 1999 and collisions are up 142%.  According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) 2003 statistics, the CHP alone was involved in 1,779 pursuits, with 448 resulting in some form of traffic collision. 

SB 126 will be considered in the State Assembly over the next few weeks.