Gov. Brown Signs Bill Imposing $150 Firefighting Fee On Rural Homeowners

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law a $150 annual wildfire protection fee for property owners in fire-prone areas California.

The Democratic governor announced Friday that he signed the bill to ensure rural property owners pay their share of the state's wildland firefighting costs. The state has spent an average of $177 million a year for firefighting over the past decade.

The $150 annual fee is expected to generate $50 million during this fiscal year and $200 million annually in the future. The fee is being imposed on homeowners who live in CalFire Wildfire zones.

It was one of two fees the Legislature's Democratic majority approved as part of the state budget. The other is a $12 hike to the vehicle registration fee.

Anti-tax advocates say they plan to challenge the Legislature's ability to impose fees without the two-thirds vote required for tax increases.

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