5/3/04-A Senate bill that would get bad drivers to help rescue the state’s 20 trauma centers failed to pass the House April 30 on the final day of the legislative session.
S2842, which previously passed the Senate, would have made drivers shoulder more of the burden for the $44 million Florida pays each year for the emergency care.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, sought to increase fines and fees as much as $1,000 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.

4/28/04-The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a revised bill April 20 to get bad drivers to help rescue the state’s 20 trauma centers. It now heads to the full Senate.
S2842, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, 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 $1,000 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. The bill’s previous version called for fines and fees of as much as $2,000.
If signed into law, the bad driver fees could generate as much as $35 million the first year and $85 million in subsequent years for trauma centers.
Under the revised version, a driver’s first drunken driving offense could result in a $500 tax paid annually, in addition to other traffic fines. Those convicted of a second drunken driving offense could see the annual tax jump to $1,000. Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.2 percent would face a $1,000 annual tax.
Removed from the bill were proposed higher fines for driving without insurance or without a license.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.

3/31/04-Bad drivers in Florida may be used to help rescue the state’s 20 trauma centers under a bill that unanimously passed the Senate Health, Aging and Long Term Care Committee March 30.
S2842, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, 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.
The bill has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.
An identical House bill – H755 – is in the House Finance and Tax Committee.