Fla. House Backs Bill for Motorists to Pay $1 to the Homeless

Motorists may be able to voluntarily donate $1 to the homeless when paying motor vehicle registration and drivers license fees.

The House voted 119-0 Thursday to support HB 531, sponsored by Rep. Betty Reed, D-Tampa, that would give the option of paying the $1 when first getting or renewing vehicle registration or a driver's license.

"Too many of Florida's children and families are currently living on the streets," Reed stated in a release. "This important legislation allows Floridians to lend a hand to families in need of assistance while continuing to educate the public on the plight ofhomelessness.

Money raised from the fees would be distributed by local homeless-advocacy groups.

The Department of Children and Families estimates that the program would generate $20,000 a year.

The fee would disappear if less than $25,000 is collected at the end of five years.