5/7/04-A bill that would have bad drivers in Florida help rescue the state’s 20 trauma centers has died.
The bill remained in the House Finance and Tax Committee at the close of the session that ended April 30, effectively killing it for the year.
H755, sponsored by Rep. Sandra Murman, R-Tampa, sought to make drivers shoulder more of the burden for the $44 million Florida pays each year for the emergency care.
The proposal called for increasing fines and fees as much as $2,000 for drivers who run red lights, cause crashes, drive a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol or otherwise rack up points on their licenses.

3/31/04-A bill before the House Finance and Tax Committee would have bad drivers in Florida help rescue the state’s 20 trauma centers.
H755, sponsored by Rep. Sandra Murman, R-Tampa, would have drivers shoulder more of the burden for the $44 million Florida pays each year for the emergency care.
The proposal would increase fines and fees as much as $2,000 for drivers who run red lights, cause crashes, drive a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol or otherwise rack up points on their licenses.
If signed into law, the bad driver fees could generate as much as $100 million in the first year.
A driver’s first drunken driving offense would result in a $1,000 tax paid annually, in addition to other traffic fines. Those convicted of a second drunken driving offense would see the annual tax jump to $1,500. Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.2 percent would face a $2,000 annual tax.
Speeders or other drivers with bad driving records who accumulate seven points on their license would cost $1,000 annually, with each additional point costing an extra $25.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.
An identical Senate bill – S2842 – is awaiting a vote before the full Senate.