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.

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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Transportation): 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 (Transportation): PRO: Senator John McCoy, Prime Sponsor; Nick Mehrnoosh, Program Specialist, Eastern Washington University; Dennis Flannigan, citizen; Mike Hoover, citizen; Daniella Clark, citizen.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: I strongly support this bill. The fee has not been raised in 12 years and does great work. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and is quite common. There are few services available for those with injuries. Untreated brain injuries ruin lives everyday. This fee should be attached to all speeding tickets, including tickets from traffic cameras.

Increased funding would increase services available to survivors. The number of people experiencing a traumatic brain injury are growing daily. TBI is a difficult road and more money to help raise awareness would be a huge help. TBI sufferers deserve compassion. Funding will increase awareness for communities as a whole and would be especially helpful for rural counties who are desperate for support.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Mike Hoover, Brain Trauma Injury Advocate; Daniella Clark, Brain Trauma Injury Advocate; Douglas Goslin, citizen; Mardi Halvorsen, citizen; Serry Bauer, Olympia Traumatic Brain Injury Group; Scott Yoos, Olympia Traumatic Brain Injury Group; Edwina Waehling, citizen; Robert Elliott, citizen.