Codey signs law boosting registration fees

Motor vehicle registration fees will rise $3 starting July 1 to provide more money for the state’s emergency helicopters and new state trooper classes, under a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Richard J. Codey. ``The Medevac helicopter program provides a necessary service, and helps save the lives of New Jersey motorists by getting them to the hospitals fast,’’ Sen. Bernard F. Kenny Jr., D-Hudson, a sponsor of the legislation, said this week. He said the Medevac program has been supported by a $1 vehicle registration fee since 1992, but that more money is needed for the four helicopters that average 15 years of service. Of the $3 increase, $2 would go for the helicopters and $1 for the new trooper classes. The bill was approved 35-5 by the Senate on Monday and passed the Assembly 47-24, with seven abstentions, on Dec. 12.