State Lawmakers May Block Sacramento's 'Crash Tax'

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- California lawmakers may soon join the backlash against the so-called "crash tax" that Sacramento has turned to during tough economic times.

State Senator Tony Strickland (R-Santa Barbara) introduced Senate Bill 49, which would block cities from charging out-of-town drivers a fee when emergency crews have to respond to an accident.

"Californians, regardless of the city in which they live, work, or visit, should be awarded certain public safety protections," Strickland wrote in his proposal. "They should be allowed to work or travel on vacation without having to worry about a bill waiting for them when they get home."

Sacramento officials have been on the defensive since adopting the measure, which takes effect later this month. A L.A. Times columnist recently advised travelers to avoid Sacramento altogether.

Councilmember Angelique Ashby called the idea a "fire cost recovery fee" and said Sacramento wouldn't have adopted the measure if it didn't have to, but Councilmember Darrel Fong plans to attend Roseville's City Council meeting Wednesday to observe what's expected to be a rejection of their crash tax policy.

Even if Roseville axes their version of the measure, at least 60 other cities statewide will still have some form of the fee.

There is no date set for state lawmakers to discuss SB 49.