Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rehabilitation And Disability Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to allow small research awards from brain and spinal cord injury fund
Summary
House Bill 93 would allow up to $100,000 per fiscal year from the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Fund to seed small research or pilot projects at qualified clinics and adds a research-qualified member to the advisory committee; the committee passed the bill with a favorable recommendation.
Representative Katie Hall presented House Bill 93, Rehabilitation Services Modifications, saying the measure would permit the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Fund to award up to $100,000 per fiscal year to qualified charitable clinics for nervous-system research, add a committee member with spinal-cord-research experience to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Advisory Committee, and require annual reporting and quarterly meetings of the advisory committee.
Dr. Dale Hall, executive director of NeuroWorks and an advocate for the fund, told lawmakers the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Fund—created in 2012 and funded by DUI impoundment fees—has been used to expand specialized rehabilitation services and return people to work at above-average rates. He described the $100,000 cap as seed money to support pilot or proof-of-concept projects that could help clinics apply for larger external grants.
Representative Daley Provo moved that the committee pass HB 93 with a favorable recommendation; after discussion the chair announced the motion passed.
Sponsor and supporters emphasized that patient care remains the primary priority and that committee language would not divert existing funds away from direct patient services when needed. The bill also adds governance and reporting requirements for the advisory committee.
Votes at a glance: the committee passed HB 93 with a favorable recommendation; the chair announced the motion passed (roll-call tally not specified).
