SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez) released the following statement following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 1114:
“The use of toll roads is a crucial component of emergency response operations” said Assemblymember Ávila Farías. “As it allows first responders to reach critical situations more efficiently, reducing travel time and improving patient outcomes.”
While current law exempts authorized emergency vehicles from paying toll fees when responding to and returning from emergency calls, this exemption does not explicitly extend to private ambulance providers. This inconsistency creates disparities in emergency response operations, particularly in regions where private ambulances play a critical role in supplementing public emergency medical services.
AB 1114 mandates that toll owners and operators exempt private ambulance service providers from vehicular toll fees when responding to emergency calls. By clarifying existing law, the bill ensures that private ambulance companies are included in toll exemptions. This policy would significantly reduce operational costs for ambulance services while enhancing emergency response efficiency by decreasing travel times.
“Private ambulance companies face significant financial burdens due to toll costs, despite performing the same life-saving services as public ambulance providers,” said The California Ambulance Association. “Without a uniform policy ensuring toll exemptions for all emergency responders, private ambulance providers may face delays or financial strain that could impact their ability to provide timely care. We thank Assemblymember Ávila Farías for ensuring toll exemption for all types of ambulances, further safe-guarding emergency response operations.”
AB 1114 will become law on January 1, 2026.
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Assemblywoman Ávila Farías is Co-Chair of the Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability and represents California’s 15th Assembly District, covering the communities of Alhambra Valley, Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Crockett, Martinez, Mountain View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Port Costa, Reliez Valley. Vine Hill, and Walnut Creek.
For media inquiries, please contact Austin Panush at (916) 319-2015
