Committee recommends concurrence on AB 611 to fund spinal cord injury research

The committee voted to recommend concurrence to the Senate amendments on AB 611, a measure that would create a voluntary tax contribution check-off to raise funds for spinal cord injury treatment and research. Mr. Lee introduced the bill and asked members for their support.

"AB 6 11 is a measure that establishes a voluntary tax contribution check off to raise funds for spinal cord injury treatment research," Mr. Lee said. He noted the national scale of the problem, telling the committee that "over 300000 people in The United States are living with spinal cord injuries." A roll call recorded aye votes from Gibson, Sanchez, Carrillo, McKenna and Quirk-Silva; the motion passed 5-0.

The bill’s sponsor said the check-off would show the state's commitment to finding treatments and support for Californians living with spinal cord injuries. There was no public testimony in opposition during the floor vote and the chair indicated the roll would remain open for any absent members. The committee adopted the motion recommending concurrence to the Senate amendments, and no further action was taken at the hearing.