LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES;

You asked for a summary of bills favorably reported by the Public Health Committee to the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

HB 5612—AN ACT CONCERNING RETIRED DENTISTS

This bill establishes a reduced license fee of $ 100 for dentists who practice for no fee and for at least 100 hours per year at a public health facility, but do not otherwise practice dentistry. The regular license fee for a practicing dentist is $ 450. The bill takes effect October 1, 2003.

sHB 6447—AN ACT CONCERNING ASBESTOS ABATEMENT WORKERS, SITE SUPERVISORS, AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

By law, asbestos abatement workers must complete a training program and be certified by the Department of Public health (DPH). This bill establishes a $ 25 application fee for a certificate and allows DPH to certify a person who is licensed or certified in another state with standards substantially similar to Connecticut’s. Certificate renewals are also $ 25.

The law also requires the certification of asbestos abatement site supervisors after completion of a DPH-approved training program. This bill establishes a $ 50 application fee for certification and allows for certification of a person licensed or certified in another state with standards substantially similar to Connecticut’s. A renewal is $ 50.

The bill also establishes a $ 500 fee for each application or reapplication to DPH for approval of training programs for asbestos abatement workers and asbestos abatement site supervisors. Finally, the bill establishes a $ 250 application fee for DPH’s approval or reapproval of refresher training programs. This bill takes effect October 1, 2003.

sSB 942—AN ACT ESTABLISHING A BRAIN INJURY PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACCOUNT

This bill establishes the “Brain Injury Prevention and Treatment Account” as a separate, nonlapsing account in the General Fund. Account funds must be allocated to DPH to provide (1) grants to nonprofit associations in the state concerned with the prevention and treatment of brain injuries and (2) funding for direct services for brain injured persons.

Under the bill, the account is funded by assessments of: (1) $ 10 added to any fine assessed against someone convicted or found in violation of the laws on speeding and traveling unreasonably fast; (2) $ 25 added to any fine assessed for conviction or violation of the laws on reckless driving, evasion of responsibility in operating a motor vehicle, racing, or operating a vehicle while under the influence of liquor or drugs or while having an elevated blood content; and (3) $ 25 added to any program fee assessed against a person ordered to participate in an alcohol education and treatment program for operating under the influence.

This bill takes effect October 1, 2003.

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