Senate Bill S335

                                BILL NUMBER:S335

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the executive law, in relation to fees charged by certain fire
departments for motor vehicle fires and accidents

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Provides that a fire department located in a city with a population of
one million or more shall obtain state approval for fees charged for
responding to accidents.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 159-d
to read as follows: § 159-d. Approval for fees. Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, no fire department located in a city with a
population of one million or more shall charge a fee for services
provided in response to a motor vehicle fire or motor vehicle accident
unless such fire department obtains approval from the office of fire
prevention and control to charge such fee.
Such approval shall be obtained by application to such office in a
manner and form prescribed such office.

JUSTIFICATION:
The FDNY has announced its intention to impose a fee on
individuals involved in auto accidents. Under the plan, a car fire
              

with personal injury will cost $490, a car fire
without personal
injury will cost $415, an accident with injury will
cost $490, and an accident without injury will
cost $365. This so-called 'accident tax'
is unconscionable; if the FDNY responds, you will be charged, even
when the accident is NOT your fault!
New York City must not attempt to balance the budget on the backs of
middle class New Yorkers who have the misfortune to be involved in a
vehicular accident. This legislation will require approval by the
State legislature prior to the imposition of any 'accident tax' fees
on New York State residents.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after
it shall have become law; provided, however, that effective
immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or
regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its
effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before
such date.