BILL NUMBER:  S7734

 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 :

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.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATION :

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.