Senate Steps on It, OKs 65 M.P.H. Limit

SACRAMENTO — California moved a step closer Thursday to raising the speed limit to 65 m.p.h. on 1,200 miles of rural freeways when the state Senate gave its final approval to the higher limit.

With no debate and no dissent, the upper house approved the measure on a 34-0 vote. Gov. George Deukmejian has promised to sign it.

Congress cleared the way for states to raise their speed limits last month.

The measure by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda) goes back to the Assembly for action on technical amendments. The Assembly, which approved it April 9 on a 58-7 vote, could take final action on the bill as early as Monday.