Unless You Act Today AB-2583 Will Become Law in California

Unless You Act Today AB-2583 Will Become Law in California

What this means:

• The speed limit drops to 20 mph any time anyone under 18 yrs old is anywhere on school grounds (even if they can’t be seen from the roadway) or within 500 feet of a school any time day or night, week day or weekend, whether or not school is in session.  
• The 20 mph speed limit would also be in effect when no children are present as long as a city puts specific hours on a sign or activates a flashing beacon.  Cities would have free rein to set any days or hours as reduced speed school zones with no restrictions. Even 24/7, 365 days a year school zones would be permitted.  (NY City’s 24/7 school zones have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in fines to unsuspecting drivers.)
• The distance is measured from the school property boundary.  For large campuses, the 20 mph zone could extend as long as a half a mile.
• Eventually, you will be ticketed with a minimum $370 fine and increased insurance premiums.

Last week we alerted you to the threat posed by AB-2583 and asked you to make 1 phone call and send 1 email. If you called and emailed, thank you.  If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

Don’t wait.  Do this today!

Those who would subject you to unreasonable speed limits designed to make driving as miserable and expensive as possible are working overtime to pass AB-2583.  Let’s stand up for ourselves instead of just rolling over!

Assembly Bill 2583 will be voted on in the Senate Transportation Committee on June 25th so we need you to act now.

Call Senator Dave Cortese who chairs the Transportation Committee at (916) 651-4015 and tell his staff that you oppose Assembly Bill 2583.

Senator Cortese is the one person in Sacramento who will decide if this bill moves forward, so it is critical to call to express your opposition NOW.

It’s very easy and will take you 1 minute.  Just call the number above and say:

"Hi. I’m calling in opposition to Assembly Bill 2583.  This bill drops the speed limit to 20 mph any time anyone under 18 yrs old is anywhere on school grounds, even if they can’t be seen from the roadway, or they are within 500 feet of a school any time day or night, week day or weekend, whether or not school is in session.  The 20 mph speed limit would also be in effect when no children are present as long as a city puts specific hours on a sign or activates a flashing beacon.  Cities would be free to set any days or hours as reduced speed school zones with no restrictions.  Even 24/7, 365 days a year school zones would be permitted.  A similar proposal was rejected by Caltrans in 2017 and the California Legislature should accept this decision.

AB-2583 will create massive speed traps and calls for additional automated ticketing to try to get people to comply with these unreasonable rules. It would expand law enforcement’s power to conduct and justify pretextual traffic stops. At a minimum, this can result in hefty fines, and for those unable to pay, late fees and possible license suspensions leading to increased poverty. At their worst, traffic stops can turn lethal.

Please tell Senator Cortese to oppose this bill."

Note:  His staff may ask if you are a constituent/live in the district. They may ask for your address. You are under no obligation to answer these questions unless you want to. If you do live in his district, we suggest you say so. If you don't want to answer, here's what to say:

"AB-2583 will affect everyone who drives on California roadways so this is a matter of statewide concern.  As the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, all residents of California have the right to contact Senator Cortese about this bill."

Be Polite! These calls are not intended to harass anyone. You are just making your voice heard on this terrible legislation. Making the call is more important than what you say.

If this bill becomes law, you’ll regret not taking action. Call now!

After you call, click below to go to the Action Page.  From there you can also send an email to all members of the Transportation Committee.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION:

1. Call Senator Dave Cortese who chairs the Transportation Committee at (916) 651-4015 and tell his staff that you oppose Assembly Bill 2583.  
2. Click on the “STOP AB-2583” button to get more information and send an email to Senator Dave Cortese and the other members of the Senate Transportation Committee.
3. Please forward this Action Alert with your friends, family, and co-workers.