Rise in criminal fines to aid trauma centers, ERs

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved raising certain criminal fines to help pay for trauma centers and emergency care across the county.

The move, authorized by state legislation last fall, will levy an additional $2 for every $10 in some criminal penalties collected.

Set to expire in 2009, it is expected to raise about $33.3 million for indigents’ emergency care, help fund new and existing trauma centers, and pay for 26 new health department positions.

The original state bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Alarcon (D-Panorama City), who spoke to the supervisors about his frustration with far-flung trauma centers after his son’s fatal car accident in 1987.

Supervisor Gloria Molina said she hopes the money can “extend that network of trauma facilities.”