Store Research
SENATE BILL 714 (BREED – 1929)
CHAPTER 253, STATUTES OF 1929 - SB 714
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As enacted in 1929, Senate Bill 714 amended various uncodified former sections of the California Vehicle Act of 1923. (See Exhibit #1j) Senator Arthur Breed introduced the measure on January 18, 1929 at the request of the Motor Vehicle Conference of California and the State Division of Motor Vehicles. (See Exhibits #1a, #6 and #7, page 2) Senate Bill 714 was an omnibus bill described in the following manner by California State Automobile Association:
It seeks greater safety on the highways, uniform enforcement and interpretation of traffic laws and clarifications to facilitate traffic. One of the most important features of this bill is a provision for organization of the “California Highway Patrol” within the State Division of Motor Vehicles and the centralization of control of traffic officers.
(See Exhibit #6, page 27)
The Senate and Assembly Committees on Motor Vehicles considered the policy issues raised by the bill. (See Exhibit #2) The Legislature amended Senate Bill 714 on eight different occasions before being approved on April 15, 1929. (See Exhibits #1a through #1i and #2) Governor C. C. Young signed the measure on May 10, 1929 and it was recorded as Chapter 253 of the Statutes of 1929. (See Exhibits #1j and #2)
Unfortunately, the committees from 1929 have left no materials documenting legislative consideration of Senate Bill 714. The same is true for the author as well as the Governor for that year. We have undertaken an exhaustive research effort of legislative journals and other materials that might shed light on this legislative action. We enclose the most substantive documents located. (See Exhibits #5 through #11)
Background on the legislation is addressed in a Report entitled “Report of the Joint Legislative Committee of the Senate and Assembly Appointed to Investigate and Study Various Problems, and to Make Recommendations Concerning Enactment, Changes and Enforcement of Laws Relating to the Use and Regulation of Vehicles on the Public Highways, and as to the Advisability of the Adoption of a Law Requiring Financial Security on the Part of Persons Operating Motor Vehicles upon the Highways of This State.” (See Exhibit #5)