Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) and Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes), introduced AB 1145 earlier this year, also known as Tristin’s Bill, a critical piece of legislation that will initiate a comprehensive safety study of Highway 74 and other roads throughout the State of California.

The narrow mountain highway has become increasingly dangerous due to heavy semi-truck traffic and worsening road conditions. The legislation is named after Tristin Bourgeois, a beloved father, son, husband and native of the Anza Valley who tragically lost his life on HWY 74 at the age of 27.

Bourgeois, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene of a three-vehicle collision on Highway 74 near Vista Point in Palm Desert on Oct. 31, 2024, according to a press release from the California Highway Patrol. CHP reported that around 7:40 am, a big rig traveling “downbound” lost control and overturned, colliding with Bourgeois’s Chevrolet Silverado. Bourgeois was pronounced dead at the scene. No other individuals were reported injured in the incident.

“For those of us in the Coachella Valley and mountain communities, the dangers of HWY 74 are nothing new. The tragic death of Tristin Bourgeois is a painful reminder that we must act now,” Gonzalez said. “His life mattered, and we owe it to him, his family, and every driver on this road to demand answers and real change. With AB 1145, we’re finally taking action: gathering the facts, identifying the risks, and pushing for true safety improvements. We

can’t bring Tristin back, but we can honor his memory by making sure no other family endures the same heartbreak. It’s time to say: enough is enough.”

“Highway 74 has claimed too many lives, and the loss of Tristin Bourgeois is a heartbreaking call to action. As representatives of the communities that rely on this road, Assemblyman Gonzalez and I are committed to ensuring it becomes safer for all who travel it. AB 1145, Tristin’s Bill, will provide the critical data we need to address the dangers of heavy truck traffic, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement. This is about saving lives and honoring Tristin’s memory with meaningful change,” said Assemblymember Wallis.

“Our family wants the public to understand how deeply this study of Highway 74 means to us. We are speaking out in hopes of saving lives and sparing other families from experiencing the kind of unimaginable loss we have endured.

This is personal for us—our surviving child still drives that same road every day, as does Tristin’s daughter. It’s a daily reminder of the risk that remains. The time for change is now. We believe that if this legislation had been introduced and safety improvements made years ago, Tristin would still be with us today. Tristin was a vibrant, joyful, and hardworking young man with a promising future. He deserved so much more than what happened to him. We’re committed to making sure his story leads to