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'Crash Tax' bill heads to governor

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By The Associated Press

Published: May 1, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - A bill is headed to the governor that would ban local agencies from charging people who cause car accidents for emergency response services.

Critics of the so-called "crash taxes" say they're unfair and not always covered by insurance. Six other states already prohibit the practice.

Lawmakers say residents already pay property taxes to cover emergency services and shouldn't face additional fees if they're in accidents.

But cash-strapped municipalities said the fees are more necessary now than ever, because of declining property taxes and tighter overall budgets.

The bill (SB 2282) passed the House 102-15 today and had already passed the Senate.

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