MN HF2826

Courts must impose a $25 penalty assessment on offenders convicted of fourth-degree driving while impaired and $50 on offenders convicted of first-, second-, or third-degree driving while impaired.

Penalty assessments are mandatory, cannot be waived, but may be paid in installments upon showing of indigency or undue hardship.

All collected penalty assessments are deposited into a new spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research account in the state treasury.

The commissioner of health may award grants from the account to organizations and individuals for research into spinal cord and traumatic brain injury treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation.

The commissioner must report annually by January 15 to legislative committees on the amount deposited and grants awarded under the program.