(AP) -- Counties will be allowed to increase vehicle registration fees to pay for fingerprint identification programs under a bill headed to the governor.
The Assembly passed the bill Monday on a 41-30 vote, the minimum needed. Republicans criticized the process, saying the bill is a tax-increase that requires a supermajority vote to pass.
Democratic Assemblyman Marc Levine of San Rafael says his bill will help law enforcement agencies improve programs intended to keep communities safe.
The bill authorizes counties to increase fees by $1 for personal vehicles and $2 for commercial vehicles. Those fees come on top of a $46 base charge, a $24 surcharge for the California Highway Patrol and other fees counties can add.
Republican Assemblywoman Shannon Grove of Bakersfield says there is no connection between fingerprint programs and vehicle fees.
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