Maryland Seeks EMS, First Responder Funding from Bad Drivers

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- First responders and the Medevac helicopter fleet stand to gain from drivers who rack up points on their licenses should a bill get the nod from Maryland legislators.

The Driver Responsibility and First Responders Fund Act that has bipartisan support, including the favor of Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, has a good chance of becoming law, supporters believe.

Delegate Bill Bronrott told members of the House Environmental Matters Committee, "I am dedicating this legislation to the many men and women who serve on the front lines of our state's first responder system... Maryland's first responder system is world-renowned and an international example of excellence."

Bronrott said his bill is about hometown security as the strains on EMS continue to grow, and that Marylanders should be sick of the number of innocent people killed and injured annually. "Drivers who are wreaking havoc on our highways will be held responsible under this law."

During a recent press conference, the governor echoed that sentiment: "Safety is my top priority... This is a great opportunity for both parties to come together and make Maryland a safer place to live."

Under the proposal, drivers who accumulate three or more points will be charged $50 per point for three consecutive years. If they fail to pay, their licenses can be suspended. To opponents, Bronrott said his records show that less than three percent of the 3.8 million drivers in the state have three or more points.

The second part of the bill would hit people caught driving without insurance. Currently, a person nabbed within the first 30 days of lapse must pay a $150 fine, and $7 a day fine after that, up to a maximum of $2,500.

If passed, that would change to a $100 fine during the first 15 days, and $200 after that. If the lapse in coverage goes beyond 30 days, drivers would have to pay a $9 a day fine up to a $3,000 maximum.

Bronrott listed how the funds generated from those penalties would be allocated:

• $8 million of the top for 15 years or $120 million would replace Maryland State Police helicopters.
• 20 percent of the balance of surcharges would go to a newly formed First Responders Fund, which would be administered by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Grants would be made for rescue, fire and police personnel, and equipment.
• 5 percent would go to an existing fund for the purchase of rescue and fire equipment and capital improvements.
• 5 percent would go to an existing volunteer company assistance fund to provide companies with up to 75 percent of the cost of purchasing or refurbishing equipment or facilities.
• 70 percent would go to the Transportation Trust Fund.

Bronrott said the legislation would send a message to dangerous drivers. "It also will serve as a strong deterrent to the kind of driving that is killing and injuring us at unacceptable numbers."

He also said a similar law in New Jersey has made a difference in the number of highway fatalities.

Lee Sachs, president of the Maryland State Firemen's Association (MSFA) said his organization is doing what it can to get the bill passed. "We totally support it because it will mean money for helicopter replacement and our loan interest loan fund. We really can use the money."

Maryland State Police Lt. Col. Mike Fischer said the state should be proud to have "the best EMS and trauma system in the world," adding that the money would help continue that rating. "Ambulances and fire trucks are expensive."

The trooper also said the state needs to be replacing its aging helicopter fleet to insure the trauma network stays intact, and that patients reach the appropriate hospitals within "the Golden Hour."