Sponsored by:
Senator ANTHONY M. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
Senator ANTHONY R. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Thompson, T.Kean, Gordon, O'Scanlon, Corrado, Turner, Brown, Bateman, Pennacchio, Diegnan, Doherty, Stack, Van Drew, Sweeney, Codey, Ruiz and Madden
SYNOPSIS
Dedicates $140,000 from the NJ Brain Injury Research Fund for community based services provided by a statewide alliance dedicated to assisting persons with brain injury through advocacy, education, information and resources, outreach, and support services.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act dedicating funds for community services for persons with brain injury and amending P.L.2003, c.200.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 9 of P.L.2003, c.200 (C.52:9EE-9) is amended to read as follows:
9. a. There is established in the Department of the Treasury a nonlapsing revolving fund to be known as the "New Jersey Brain Injury Research Fund." This fund shall be the repository for moneys provided pursuant to subsection f. of R.S.39:5-41. Moneys deposited in the fund, and any interest earned thereon, shall be used for the purpose of making grants for brain injury research projects at qualified research institutions approved by the New Jersey State Commission on Brain Injury Research, and for the purpose of meeting the operating expenses of the commission.
b. In addition, a minimum of $140,000 shall be appropriated annually from the fund to the Department of Human Services to be allocated by the department to a not-for-profit Statewide alliance with at least 25 years’ experience dedicated to supporting and advocating for individuals affected by brain injury through specialized community-based services to individuals who have experienced a brain injury in an effort to maximize the individuals’ quality of life throughout their lifespan. 1The minimum amount appropriated shall be increased annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 These community-based services may include advocacy, education, information, resources, outreach, and support services.
c. The not-for-profit Statewide alliance shall actively raise awareness of brain injury research activities and findings of the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research through the alliance’s communications, including, but not limited to, the alliance’s Internet website, electronic newsletter, and outreach activities.
d. Any costs incurred by the department in the collection or administration of the fund may be deducted from the funds deposited therein, as determined by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting.
(cf: P.L.2003, c.200, s.9)
2. This act shall take
effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would provide that a minimum of $140,000 would be appropriated on an annual basis from the New Jersey Brain Injury Research Fund to the Department of Human Services to be allocated to a statewide not-for-profit alliance with at least 25 years’ experience dedicated to supporting and advocating for individuals affected by brain injury through specialized community based services for persons who have experienced a brain injury. The minimum amount appropriated shall be increased annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. These community-based services may include advocacy, education, information, resources, outreach, and support services.
Furthermore, the bill provides that the Statewide alliance receiving these funds will actively raise awareness of brain injury research activities and findings of the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research through the alliance’s various public communications methods.
The New Jersey Brain Injury Research Fund is the recipient of a $1 supplementary payment on every fine and penalty imposed and collected on motor vehicle traffic violations in the State. The fund collects approximately $3.5 million annually, and is currently dedicated to making grants for brain injury research projects at qualified research institutions approved by the New Jersey State Commission on Brain Injury Research, and for the purpose of meeting the operating expenses of the commission.