Committee concurs on bill to expand traumatic brain injury supports and add voluntary vehicle registration fee

The Senate Finance and Claims Committee concurred with House Bill 341, a measure to expand the uses of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) state special revenue account and establish a $1 optional fee on motor vehicle registration to provide ongoing funding.

Representative Butchery said the bill expands existing restrictions so that money in the TBI account may be used to support individuals with TBI and their families, including military service members, and to promote prevention and recovery activities. The fiscal design uses an initial $600,000 appropriation to the Department of Public Health and Human Services and proposes a voluntary $1 opt‑out fee on vehicle registrations that would generate long‑term revenue; the sponsor emphasized there is no general fund impact.

Proponents included family members and advocates who described gaps in services for people with TBI. Jennifer Olsen, a mother of an individual with TBI, testified in support and praised the fiscal approach. Jean Hermanson (DPHHS) and Beth Thompson (DOJ budget) were available to answer fiscal questions.

Committee members asked about technical fiscal notes and whether excess revenues could be appropriated in future sessions; the sponsor said additional appropriation requests could be made at the next session if the account generates surplus revenue.

The committee concurred in executive action and the bill will proceed to the Senate floor.

Outcome: Concurred in Senate Finance and Claims.