Connecticut Senate Bill SB00354

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/10
• Refer: 2/26/10
• Report Pass: 3/8/10
• Refer: 3/10/10
• Report Pass: 3/16/10
• Refer: 4/8/10
• Report Pass: 4/14/10
• Refer: 4/16/10
• Report Pass: 4/21/10
• Report Pass: 4/27/10
• Engrossed: 4/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/30/10
• Chaptered: 5/20/10
• Enrolled: 5/26/10
• Passed: 5/27/10

Caption

An Act Concerning Biomedical Research Trust Fund Research Grants.

Impact

This legislation marks a significant development in the financing of biomedical research in the state. By establishing the trust fund, the bill enhances the state's commitment to combating prevalent health issues through well-structured grants. Notably, the bill places a cap on the total amount of these grants-in-aid, ensuring that the distributions will be balanced against the total funds available within the trust. This systematic approach is expected to foster innovation and contribute to important health advancements, particularly for diseases that have significant societal impacts.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 354, known as the Act Concerning Biomedical Research Trust Fund Research Grants, aims to establish a dedicated fund for supporting biomedical research. The bill stipulates the creation of a Biomedical Research Trust Fund, which will accept transfers from the Tobacco Settlement Fund and other contributions. The revenue generated from the fund will be allocated for grants-in-aid to eligible institutions, including academic institutions and hospitals, to advance research specifically focused on critical health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and other tobacco-related diseases, along with Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00354 appears largely supportive, particularly among healthcare policymakers and advocacy groups invested in public health improvement. The allocation of funds for biomedical research is seen as a proactive measure to address critical health challenges facing the community. Consequently, lawmakers advocating for this bill often emphasize its potential to lead to medical breakthroughs and improved health outcomes, whereas opponents are more focused on ensuring the fund is managed effectively and responsibly.

Contention

While general support for the bill is clear, some discussions around its implementation raise pertinent questions. Critics express concerns regarding the management of the trust fund and the effectiveness of the grant allocation process. They seek assurances that the funding will be distributed transparently and that grants will prioritize projects with the highest potential for impact. This concern highlights a balance that must be struck between expedient funding for urgent research and rigorous oversight to ensure accountability within the Biomedical Research Trust Fund.