Sacramento, California – In a continued effort to address impaired driving and ensure California’s roads are safe for all, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced more than $35 million in state funding to nearly 150 public safety agencies, local governments, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations across California. The funding, administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), is designed to strengthen education, enforcement, and outreach programs aimed at reducing driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
This investment comes at a pivotal time, as California’s legal cannabis market continues to expand. In response, the state is scaling up its commitment to public safety, with a renewed focus on preventing impaired driving linked not only to alcohol, but also cannabis and other substances. The majority of this latest funding will support training and public engagement—particularly in communities most affected by drug-impaired driving. Grant recipients will implement evidence-based programs, including drug recognition evaluator training and localized awareness campaigns, to help prevent crashes before they happen.
In addition to community-focused prevention efforts, several recipients will use funds to enhance forensic toxicology capabilities. Multiple two-year grants to crime laboratories will support the purchase of new testing equipment, reduce evidence backlogs, and expand the state’s capacity to investigate DUI-related incidents. Medical examiner and coroner’s offices will also receive funding to improve data collection and reporting in cases involving drug and alcohol impairment…