JACKSON (AP) — Mississippians might have to pay more for driver’s licenses, vehicle inspection stickers, concealed weapons permits and some other documents or services, all in the name of propping up a financially struggling network of trauma care.

A bill that passed the state House on Wednesday would increase those and several other fees, including those for boat registrations, car and truck license plates, speeding or DUI tickets and on sales of all-terrain vehicles.

The extra money would cover some of hospitals’ currently uncompensated costs of treating people with severe injuries from traffic accidents, gunshot wounds or other life-threatening incidents.

The bill moves to the Senate, and it’s unclear whether it will survive there. Many lawmakers were elected last year on promises to stay out of taxpayers’ wallets.

House Public Health Committee Chairman Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said about half of Mississippi’s hospitals choose not to participate in a trauma care network that is designed to send patients to the appropriate facility based on the severity of their injuries.

A task force that spent a year studying the trauma system said Mississippi now spends $8 million a year to reimburse hospitals for treating uninsured patients who suffer severe injuries. At least $40 million a year is needed to maintain the system, according to a report issued last month.

Dr. Ed Thompson, the state health officer, said the trauma system is about to collapse because hospitals can’t afford to provide millions of dollars in uncompensated care.

Holland said people in isolated, rural areas will be in the most danger if more hospitals follow through on plans to leave the trauma system.

‘‘Good luck to you if you get shot in Issaquena County. You’re going to die,’’ said Holland, referring to a largely agricultural Delta county.

Hospitals are rated Level 1, the highest, through Level 4, the lowest, based on the types of facilities and physicians they have available.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center, in Jackson, is the only Level 1 trauma center in Mississippi.

Severely injured patients in north Mississippi are frequently sent to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis in Tennessee, known as The Med. Those in south Mississippi are often sent to the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile.

Rep. Bo Eaton, D-Taylorsville, argued for and voted for the bill. But he said it should have included an increase in alcohol taxes and new fees on companies that sell life insurance.

If the bill were to become law, people would pay:

— $5 more to get or renew a driver’s license for four years.

— $2 more to renew a license plate.

— $1 more to renew a car or truck inspection sticker.

— $10 more for a concealed-weapon permit.

— $20 more for a speeding ticket.

— $20 more for a DUI.

— From $9 to $54 more for boat registration, depending on the size of the boat.

— $20 on the sale of all-terrain vehicles.

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The bill is House Bill 1405.



AP-CS-02-28-08 1324EST