BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair
1418 (Wiggins)
Hearing Date: 05/10/2010 Amended: 04/26/2010
Consultant: Mark McKenzie Policy Vote: T&H 6-2
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BILL SUMMARY: SB 1418 would authorize local "service
authorities for freeway emergencies" (SAFEs) to impose a fee of
up to $2, rather than $1, on vehicles registered in a county to
fund call box systems and other specified motorist aid services.
The bill would also make the following changes to SAFE
programs:
Authorize SAFE funds to be used on expressways.
Authorize the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to
use SAFE funds to place call boxes in state and federal parks
where communications are unavailable.
Expand the allowable uses of SAFE funds available after
funding a callbox system to include implementation,
maintenance, and operation of systems, projects, and programs
to aid and assist motorists, such as mobile roadside
assistance, intelligent transportation, incident management,
and traveler support systems.
Deem an amendment to a call box plan to be approved by the
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California
Highway Patrol (CHP) unless otherwise rejected within 120 days
of receipt of the amendment.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Fund
SAFE fee revenues potential annual revenue gain of up to
$27,500 Local
if each SAFE imposed the additional $1
fee
DMV administration minor programming costs, offset by
feesSpecial*
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* Motor Vehicle Account
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STAFF COMMENTS: Current law authorizes a SAFE to impose a $1
annual surcharge on vehicles registered in its jurisdiction on a
countywide basis to fund the implementation, maintenance, and
operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes. Excess
revenues may be used to pay for Caltrans and CHP plan review
costs and for other motorist aid services, including changeable
message signs, call box lighting, traffic operations centers,
and contracting for towing disabled vehicles. A total of 17
SAFEs have been formed, providing services in 31 of 58 counties.
SB 1418 would authorize SAFEs to impose an additional $1 on
vehicles registered within its jurisdiction and expand the
allowable uses for excess funds.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) collects the fees and
subtracts its administrative costs before forwarding them to
local SAFEs. Over the last four years, DMV has collected
approximately $27.5 million annually and retained approximately
$137,000 for its administrative costs. DMV indicates that any
additional costs related to programming increases in the fees
would be minor and recoverable from fee revenue.