Taking a proactive stance against “crash taxes,” Utah legislators have approved a measure to restrict emergency response organizations such as fire and police from charging fees to motorist or insurers for accident response costs.
The Emergency Responder Fees bill, SB 273, passed by a 72-2 House vote. The Senate concurred with clarifying House amendments and approved the bill unanimously, 28-0.
SB 273 does not ban all costs from being recovered by local government agencies. House Bill compromise language allows a local entity to bill “at-fault” motorists for “hard costs,” which are actual costs associated with providing medical treatment and transportation, debris clean-up and roadway repair. The bill will prohibit billing for “engine fees” and flat “response fees.”
Kenton Brine, assistant vice president and regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America said the bill resulted from discussions between PCI, other insurers and representatives of Utah’s local municipalities.
“We understand that local governments are facing declining revenues, however public safety is a basic role of local government and these fees take advantage of consumers,” Brine said. “SB 273 provides important protections for motorists in Utah. … We appreciate the work of the League of Cities and Towns of Utah, and the leadership of Sen. Stuart Adams in passing this legislation.”
Adams, R-Layton, was the bill’s prime sponsor.
The bill now heads to Gov. Gary Herbert for signature.
Topics Legislation
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