Sacramento, CA. – Senate Bill 49, authored by Sen. Strickland (R-Moorpark) died in the Senate Public Safety Committee on a vote of 1-5.

SB 49 would have banned local governments from charging a fee or tax for the cost related to dispatching an emergency responder.

As a result of declining revenues, cities across the state have implemented crash taxes and fees on those who get into accidents within their city limits. This law would have prevented local governments from charging out of town drivers visiting on vacation or simply driving to work from being charged for emergency response services. Public safety is a basic function of government and is already covered when a citizen pays taxes.

“When Californians visit other cities in the State they are already paying sales tax on souvenirs for their kids, food at restaurants, and on gas when they fill up at the pump and hotel taxes if they choose to stay overnight. It is unconscionable to make people pay twice for public services that should be provided for out of the taxes they already pay,” Sen. Strickland said. “People who work hard and who budget carefully for a family vacation should not have to spend their hard-earned money on even more taxes.”

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

Sen. Strickland is available to the media for an interview or comments.

Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.