A bill that could legalize jaywalking in California was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk on Friday.
The bill, named AB 1238, was authored by Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). The bill allows for people to cross the street outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic light when safe and stops people from getting ticketed for jaywalking.
“Whether it’s someone’s life or the hundreds/thousands of dollars in fines, the cost is too much for a relatively minor infraction,” said Ting at a San Francisco press conference introducing the bill. “It’s time to reconsider how we use our law enforcement resources and whether our jaywalking laws really do protect pedestrians and all road users.”
Ting also said it can prevent police from using jaywalking as an excuse to target minorities.
“The people who are getting cited are disproportionately African American,” Ting said to CBS Sacramento. “We have the example of Nandi Cain, who in Sacramento was crossing the street. Law enforcement chased this individual down and they started beating him.”
Community members expressed concern that jaywalking could lead to a tragic lose of life.
“A stop for harmless jaywalking can turn into a potentially life-threatening police encounter, especially for Black people, who are disproportionately targeted and suffer the most severe consequences of inequitable law enforcement,” said Jared Sanchez from CalBike. California Walks and Los Angeles Walks were also among the bill's supporters.
In addition to the bill's attempt to reduce racial profiling and unnecessary ticketing, John Yi, executive director of Los Angeles Walks, said it is time to reorient our neighborhoods toward pedestrians.
“If we want neighborhoods that are community-centered, where our children and seniors can move with safety and ease, let us begin by treating those who walk or roll with some dignity,” said Yi.
The bill was amended in the state Senate in March, April and July. It moved on in Sept. 8 following 22 votes for the bill and eight votes against it.