Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a significant funding initiative aimed at addressing impaired driving in California. A total of $35 million will be distributed to nearly 150 local law enforcement agencies, governments, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations. The funding will support efforts to combat impaired driving through training, public outreach, and forensic testing.
The funds are derived from the sale of cannabis products in California and are administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee stated, “This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving.” The resources will help expand efforts across the state to keep roads safer.
Recipients of the grants will use the funds for drug recognition evaluator training and public education campaigns about impaired driving laws. Additionally, some funds will be allocated to crime laboratories for toxicology testing and equipment upgrades.
California’s legal cannabis market is growing rapidly, contributing to economic growth and funding vital programs. However, the state continues to tackle illegal cannabis operations through Governor Newsom’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force. Since its inception in 2022, the task force has seized over $650 million in unlicensed cannabis.
The state has invested $1.6 billion since 2019 to enhance public safety and combat crime. In 2023, California made its largest-ever investment to fight organized retail crime as part of its Public Safety Plan.
