SB 5024

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5024

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:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 5, 2007
Transportation, March 1, 2007

Title: An act relating to increasing fees to fund community traumatic brain injury services.

Brief Description: Increasing fees to fund community traumatic brain injury services.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5024 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.

Majority Report: That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5024 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Clements and Holmquist.

Background: The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1.5 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries every year. Approximately 44 percent of brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Other leading causes include falls, assaults with firearms, and sports and recreational injuries.

Summary of Bill: The traumatic brain injury account is created with the State Treasurer. The Department of Social and Health Services may authorize spending on contracts with community-based organizations for prevention, referral, and support services relating to traumatic brain injury.

The account is funded by fees collected as part of a reissuing fee on licenses that have been suspended for driving under the influence. The reissuing fee is increased from $150 to $200. Twenty-four percent of each fee collected must be deposited in the traumatic brain injury account.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Health & Long Term Care): Clarifies that 24 percent of the receipts are directed to the traumatic brain injury account, rather than 100 percent.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SECOND SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Transportation): The traumatic brain injury account is created and the funding source for this account is changed. Instead of increasing drivers license reissue fees, this bill increases, from $5 to $7, the fee imposed on traffic violations under 46.63.110(7). Currently, this $5 fee imposed on all traffic infractions goes into the emergency medical services and trauma care account. Revenue from the $2 increase is deposited into the traumatic brain injury account. Money from the traumatic brain injury account can only be spent after appropriation and only for contracts with qualified community based organizations providing services relating to traumatic brain injury.

Fiscal Note: Original fiscal note available. Second substitute requested on February 28, 2006.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: There are 19 states with trust funds for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Those living with TBIs need a wide variety of support services. Most of the support provided to TBI victims is provided by non-profit organizations or volunteers. Funding would help ensure more support services are available by trained staff. TBIs are a national crisis for American Indians in particular, equal to the crisis for Iraq veterans returning with TBIs. Funding and support services are desperately needed.

Persons Testifying (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: Gene Van DenBosch, Richard Adler, Valerie Wootten, Michael Lough, Brain Injury Association of Washington; R. Keith Nicholson, Traumatic Brain Injury Advocate; Mark Stroh, Washington Protection and Advocacy System; Constance Miller, Traumatic Brain Injury advocate; Marlene Davis, mother.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Transportation): PRO: Brain injuries in Washington State are increasing and we lack sufficient services. Volunteers provide a huge portion of support services but the needs of people with traumatic brain injuries can be overwhelming and volunteers experience burnout. We're struggling; there is a huge need for more services and professional staff.

Persons Testifying (Transportation): PRO: Gene van den Bosch, Brain Injury Association of Washington.