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A bill to create a trust fund to support charitable clinics serving brain and spinal cord injury patients won committee approval on Wednesday.
The fund would be overseen by a five-member board including lawmakers and a senior health official. It would be built with private donations and fees tacked onto moving violations, such as tickets for speeding and DUIs. HB400 also leaves open the possibility of legislative funding, but contains no fiscal note for this year.
"That's because I intend to prove it's a cost-effective way to treat this population," said sponsor Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns.
Seven states have similar trusts, but most use the money for research and wheelchairs for the uninsured or underinsured. Hutchings wants the money to go to physical rehabilitation techniques proven to help patients regain mobility and independence.
Physical therapy isn't well covered by most insurance plans, but it can make the difference between someone walking and working again or winding up disabled and on public aid, he said.
Rep. Bradley Daw, R-Orem, voiced concern about taxing drivers whose habits may, or may not, cause accidents in which people are seriously injured. The bill gives the trust's board of directors and Utah Judicial Council broad discretion on who to fine and how much.
"I love this bill, except for the fee part," said Daw, one of two no votes. "With some changes I'm glad to change that to an enthusiastic yes."