Emergency Services - Funding

This Maryland bill establishes and funds a specialized program to support trauma centers and emergency medical services by creating a new financial fund. It directly affects hospitals designated as trauma centers and the physicians who treat patients there, particularly those providing care to uninsured or underinsured individuals. The legislation increases the motor vehicle registration surcharge to generate revenue for this fund, which will be used to cover the costs of uncompensated care and maintain on-call staffing requirements. Additionally, the bill raises fines for driving under the influence and mandates that the Governor include specific funding for fire, rescue, and ambulance services in the annual state budget.