Date: 02/10/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-133

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 09-133 to the Committee on ApproPASS



03:13 PM -- Senate Bill 09-133

The committee reconvened.

Senator Spence, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 09-133. The bill would increase the surcharges for any traffic violation that are credited to the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. The bill will increase these surcharges by $5.00 for driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding. Senator Spence began by providing background information about the bill and the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. The trust fund, she explained, receives money only from the proceeds of fines that are collected from certain speeding, motorcycle, and drunk driving violations. Senator Spence responded to questions from the committee about the trust fund balance.

The following people testified on the bill:

03:20 PM -- Ms. Nancy Smith, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services, responded to questions from the committee about the services that are provided to traumatic brain injury victims. She stated that the department has a waiting list of 250 people needing patient services. Committee discussion ensued about legislative spending authority.

03:29 PM -- Mr. Kenneth Hosack, Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund, testified in support of the bill. He stated he has worked to assist victims of traumatic brain injuries for over 30 years, and said that about 5,000 citizens are hospitalized every year in Colorado for these injuries. He also provided background about the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund, stating that about 65 percent of the money goes toward services, 30 percent toward research, and 5 percent toward education.. Mr. Hosack responded to questions from the committee about the program's current balance and the reasons for raising the fines.

03:36 PM -- Mr. William Levis, representing the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. He stated that he is a father of a son that suffers from a traumatic brain injury. He stated that the critical time to address these traumatic injuries is within two years of the event, and the current wait list makes it difficult for victims to get the help they need within this timeframe.

03:38 PM -- Ms. Nadine Lund, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. While displaying a picture of her daughter, Ms. Lund explained that her daughter suffers every day from a traumatic brain injury. Ms. Lund stated that she did not know about the existence of the brain injury fund until she heard about it in a newscast. The fund, she stated, has helped her daughter and provided financial assistance to her family.


03:43 PM

Senator Sandoval closed public testimony.


BILL:SB09-133
TIME: 03:44:45 PM
MOVED:Hudak
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 09-133 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 5-0, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Brophy
Excused
Heath
Yes
Isgar
Yes
King K.
Excused
Scheffel
Yes
Hudak
Yes
Sandoval
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



03:46 PM

The committee recessed.