For Immediate Release
January 2, 2004
GILL/EDWARDS/EAGLER BILL TO FURTHER BRAIN INJURY RESEARCH SIGNED INTO LAW
Commission on Brain Injury Research to Improve Treatment Through Scientific Advancements
CLIFTON - Legislation Senator Nia H. Gill and Assemblymen Willis Edwards III and Peter Eagler sponsored to encourage expanded research and improved medical treatments for brain injuries was signed into law today by Governor James E. McGreevey.
The measure (S-914/A-1771) - "The Brain Injury Research Act" - establishes an 11-member "New Jersey State Commission on Brain Injury Research." The commission will administer grants to sanctioned medical and scientific research projects involved in identifying new brain injury techniques, especially in the area of nerve regeneration.
The bill signing took place at the home of Dennis Benigno, president of the Coalition for Brain Injury Research. Benigno's son, Dennis John, suffers from a traumatic brain injury.
"The Governor's signature on this legislation does more than just create a law," said Senator Gill (D-Essex). "It creates hope for the thousands of New Jerseyans who deal with traumatic brain injuries every day. It gives financial support to the doctors and researchers who are constantly searching for new, more effective ways to treat and hopefully reverse brain injury."
"Scientific research in neurological health care is key to finding cures for several life-threatening conditions that currently are considered untreatable," said Assemblyman Edwards (D-Essex). "Through projects put into place by this commission, scientific advancements can be achieved to help people with severe brain injuries."
The commission's responsibilities will include reviewing and authorizing research projects, apportioning available funds, encouraging the development of projects, and compiling a directory of all brain injury research being conducted in the state. Programs and functions of the agency will be compiled in a report presented to the Governor and Legislature by January 30 of each year.
In conjunction with the state Department of Health and Senior Services, the commission also will create and maintain a registry of persons with brain injuries resulting from auto collisions, violent assaults, poisonings, and other non-disease related incidents.
"Research on nerve regeneration as a method of brain cell repair should be pursued and encouraged not only for the purpose of helping humankind, but also as a means of strengthening New Jersey's medical technology industries," said Assemblyman Eagler (D-Passaic).
"This is an investment in better medicine and better jobs," said Edwards.
Members of the new panel will include the commissioner of Health and Senior Services, one representative each from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Rutgers University , six members of the public appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate, and one appointee each by the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker.
Funding for grants awarded by the commission will be provided through a $1 increase in fines or penalties imposed for motor vehicle violations. A 1994 study of traumatic brain injuries in New Jersey found that nearly 40 percent were motor-vehicle related.
The monies generated by the $1 fine will be deposited into the "New Jersey Brain Injury Research Fund" and distributed as grants at the discretion of the commission members.
A measure similar to the "Brain Injury Research Act" passed the Legislature in 1999, but was vetoed by Governor Christie Whitman.