SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5127

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, January 28, 2019

Title: An act relating to increasing the traumatic brain injury fee.

Brief Description: Increasing the traumatic brain injury fee.

Sponsors: Senators McCoy, Billig, Darneille, Hunt, Rolfes and Schoesler.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/19, 1/28/19 [DP-WM].

Brief Summary of Bill

Increases the traumatic brain injury fee from $2.00 to $5.00 per traffic infraction.

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Nguyen, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Background: Under current law, traffic infractions generally include both a base penalty and additional fees and assessments deposited in various accounts. One such additional fee is a $2.00 traumatic brain injury (TBI) fee. The TBI fee is deposited in the state TBI account to support various activities and services related to TBI. The Department of Social and Health Services administers the funds, after appropriation by the Legislature. The TBI fee may be reduced or waived by the court.

Summary of Bill: Increases the TBI fee from $2.00 to $5.00 per traffic infraction.

The TBI fee may not be reduced or waived.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Many TBI survivors suffer various problems like anxiety, PTSD, and suicide. A key to helping TBI survivors is to first identify it in survivors. Having more TBI funds available helps with education and awareness, and helps survivors and their caregivers. More TBI funding is needed throughout Washington State. TBI funding helps maintain services for survivors and caregivers. Twenty-two percent of TBI survivors also have epilepsy.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator John McCoy, Prime Sponsor; Nick Mehrnoosh, Program Specialist, Eastern Washington University; Dennis Flannigan, citizen; Mike Hoover, citizen; Daniella Clark, citizen.