HB 372 -- Trauma Center Fund

Co-Sponsors:  Ladd Baker, Green (73), Reynolds, Green (15),
George, Reid, Hagen-Harrell

This bill authorizes the establishment of the Trauma Center Fund
in the state treasury.  The State Treasurer, in consultation
with the Department of Health, will distribute moneys in the
fund on a quarterly basis to designated trauma centers located
in Missouri.  Moneys in the fund are obtained from a $3
surcharge established in the bill and from an additional court
cost of $25 which is also established in the bill.  Provisions
concerning the allocation of moneys in the fund and the
calculation of payments to designated trauma centers are stated
in the bill.  The department is required to provide the State
Treasurer with all necessary information in order to distribute
payments.

The department and the State Treasurer are allowed to receive a
specified percentage of the moneys in the fund to cover
administrative costs.  Moneys in the Trauma Center Fund will not
revert to the General Revenue Fund at the end of the biennium.

The bill also allows persons who are found guilty or who enter a
plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to an
intoxication-related traffic offense as defined in Section
577.023, RSMo, or any weapons offense as defined in Chapter 571,
to be charged an additional court cost of $25 to the clerk of
the court.

In addition to other fines or court costs, a $3 surcharge will
be assessed in all criminal cases, violations of any county
ordinance, criminal law, or traffic law of this state, including
infractions.  No surcharge will be collected in a court when the
proceeding or the defendant has been dismissed or when costs are
paid by the state, a county, or municipality.  The proceeds of
the surcharge will be collected and dispersed as required by
Sections 488.010 to 488.020, pertaining to court costs, and are
payable to the state.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am