Committee hears bill to fund traumatic brain injury services; sponsor proposes $1 opt-out registration donation

The Montana House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday heard House Bill 341, sponsored by Representative Butchery, which would appropriate seed funding and create a $1 opt-out donation on motor vehicle registrations to fund education, prevention and recovery supports for people with traumatic brain injuries.

The bill would direct a one-time appropriation of $600,000 from the existing traumatic brain injury account to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) for activities that include education, recovery support for individuals and families and support for the existing traumatic brain injury advisory council, Representative Butchery said. Ongoing funding would come from a $1 opt-out donation on vehicle registrations, and county treasurers would be required to post signage explaining the donation and the ability to opt out, he said.

Proponents said the bill would expand the scope…