June 6, 2002

COMMITTEE APPROVES EDWARDS / EAGLER BILL TO FURTHER BRAIN INJURY RESEARCH
'Commission on Brain Injury Research' to Improve Treatment Through Scientific Advancements

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly Appropriations Committee today released legislation Assemblymen Willis Edwards III and Peter Eagler introduced to encourage expanded research and improved medical treatments for brain injury victims.

The measure (A1771) -- "The Brain Injury Research Act" -- would establish an 11-member "New Jersey State Commission on Brain Injury Research." The commission would administer grants to sanctioned medical and scientific research projects that seek to identify new brain injury techniques, especially in the area of nerve regeneration.

"Scientific research in neurological health care is key to finding cures for several life-threatening conditions that currently are considered untreatable," said Edwards (D-Essex / Passaic). "Through projects put into place by this commission, scientific advancements can be achieved to help people with severe brain injuries."
Dennis Benigno, president of the Coalition for Brain Injury Research, praised Edwards and Eagler for their efforts on this issue. Benigno's son, Dennis John, suffers from a traumatic brain injury.

"I am pleased that the Assembly members are championing this bill through the Legislature," said Benigno. "As the father of a child with a brain injury, I know first-hand how this type of research can dramatically affect a person's life."
The commission's responsibilities would include reviewing and authorizing research projects, apportioning available funds, encouraging the development of projects, and compiling a directory of all activities. Programs and functions of the agency would 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 would create and maintain a registry of persons with brain injuries resulting from auto collisions, violent assaults, poisonings, and other non-disease related incidents.
"New Jersey needs to join other states that already have begun researching nerve regeneration as a method of brain cell repair," said Eagler (D-Passaic). "This research 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."

"This is an investment in better medicine and better jobs," said Edwards.

Members of the new panel would 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 would be provided through a $1 increase in fines or penalties imposed for motor vehicle violations. The monies would 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. However, former Governor Christie Whitman vetoed it.
The Edwards / Eagler bill was released from committee by a vote of 10 to 2 with two abstentions. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides whether to post it for a floor vote.

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