You asked for a summary of SB 558, “An Act Establishing a Brain Injury Prevention and Services Account,” favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee.

This bill creates a nonlapsing brain injury prevention services account in the General Fund. Money in the account, including investment earnings, must be given to the Department of Social Services for grants to the Brain Injury Association of Connecticut.

The account is funded by a new five dollar assessment on violators of the following motor vehicle statutes: (1) speeding, (2) reckless driving, and (3) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It applies to people convicted of the offenses, including those who plead no contest and pay their speeding tickets by mail. It also applies to those who forfeit bond by failing to appear in court to answer the charges.

The bill is effective October 1, 2004.

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