Posted on 09/20/2005 11:15:10 AM PDT by BurbankKarl
A bill sitting on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk could exempt illegal immigrants and unlicensed teenagers from vehicle-impound laws that apply to other drivers who are arrested for driving with suspended and revoked licenses.
The bill requires the police to return vehicles to their registered owners who present a valid registration and driver's license. So if police stop a joyriding teenager or an illegal immigrant who is borrowing a friend's car, they cannot impound the vehicle if the owner shows up with a valid license, as they can under current law.
Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, said his bill was not aimed at illegal immigrants, but at families where an unlicensed teen might "borrow" the family car and then get stopped by police, causing the vehicle to be impounded for 30 days.
"The bill is intended to address situations where basically the licensed owner is unfairly punished because of the actions of someone else, perhaps a minor child in the family, someone who steals a car or takes it for a joy ride," said Sam Delson, a Torrico aide. "The licensed owner under current law faces a severe penalty."
Schwarzenegger has not yet taken a position on the bill.
But opponents said vehicle owners should be held responsible for how the vehicle is used.
"I don't believe we should be softening the penalties against those who are driving without a license in the state of California," said Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, who voted against the bill.
"Potentially many of those driving without a license are probably illegal immigrants.
I do not want to soften the law on that."
Under current law, police can seize and impound a vehicle for 30 days if the driver does not have a license, or has a suspended or revoked license.
Current law also allows illegal immigrants to own, register and insure vehicles, but does not allow them to have valid California driver's licenses, according to state officials.
A bill sent this month to the governor, SB 60, by Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses, but Schwarzenegger is expected to veto it.
Another Cedillo bill that is still pending in the Legislature would specifically exempt illegal immigrants from the impound requirements, without needing the vehicle's owner to present a valid license. A number of law enforcement agencies have written to ask Schwarzenegger to veto the Torrico bill, including California Highway Patrol Commissioner M.L. Brown, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca; the San Fernando Valley Traffic Advisory Council; and San Fernando Police Chief Anthony Alba.
Funny, there used to be a concept we are all equal under the law. Under democrat's seems some are to be more equal then others.
ping
Cripes. Hard to believe this crap reaches his desk.
Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, said his bill was not aimed at illegal immigrants, but...
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There are so many radical libs trying to capitalize on the runaway presence of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS in this country, it is sickening. And for the most part, they continue to get away with the insanity.
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Support our Minutemen Patriots!
Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!
November, 2006 can't come soon enough for me!
I just hope people will come forward to run against these clowns!
Good grief!
LOL!
Hellooooo Mrs. Sippee!
And, of course, use the motor/voter provisions.
Aided and abetted by the leadership of the alleged "conservatives" of the Republican party, who appear to be in a race to see who can push the craziest, most radical open borders ideas.
Aided and abetted by the leadership of the alleged "conservatives" of the Republican party, who appear to be in a race to see who can push the craziest, most radical open borders ideas.
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The election in 2008, and even 2006, is not going to go easy. Mainly due to the makeup of the Repubs. Conservatives versus RINOs. Not a pretty picture. Too many are more concerned about their "political profession" than they are about America and its REAL CITIZENS.
I heard Gilcrest's radio ad yesterday on KFI! I thought John and Ken were playing it, but it was a real ad.
Aw, that's cute! I'm so sorry I missed seeing you before I left. I will be back for a reunion no later than 2009 God willing.
Try insuring a vehicle if owner does not have a valid Ca license - it not done. Insurance Companies will not insure and will cancel or non renew or exclude driver if license is not valid. That's why you have so many uninsured motorist.
Cars should be towed if valid proof of insurance and driver does not hold valid license. Unless it clearly identifies the non-citizen (i.e.illegal)they are not entitled to one. Why should they get a break. You break the laws, you should pay the penalties.
BurbankKarl's law would provide for IMMEDIATE DEPORTATION of an illegal alien caught driving in California. (like Arizona)
And impounding of the vehicle, sold at auction to fund the state debt.
Cars should be towed if valid proof of insurance and driver does not hold valid license. Unless it clearly identifies the non-citizen (i.e.illegal)they are not entitled to one. Why should they get a break. You break the laws, you should pay the penalties.
hahahahaha in a sane world maybe.
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