'Crash tax' ban on its way to the governor

A bill that would put the kibosh on cities and counties levying a "crash tax" to cover the cost of police and fire response to traffic accidents is on its way to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature.

Several municipalities already use such "cost recovery" programs, and the city of Bradenton was considering joining the fray - that is, until lawmakers, including Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, moved to implement a ban.

After all, critics argued, isn't that why we pay taxes?

The Senate earlier this week approved a bill authored by Bennett, and the House on Thursday gave a ban its overwhelming support.