SB 782 Summary

• Allows individuals and corporations with tax refunds to designate a minimum of $1 (single return) or $2 (combined return) to the Lupus Revolving Research Trust Fund, effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2012

• Creates the Lupus Revolving Research Trust Fund in the state treasury, managed by the state treasurer, with funds distributed to the Department of Health and Senior Services for lupus research grants

• Establishes a Lupus Research Enhancement Program within the Department of Health and Senior Services to award grants to state academic medical institutions for basic and clinical lupus research based on scientific merit and open competitive peer review

• Creates an 8-member Lupus Research Advisory Council to review grant applications, consult with national health organizations, and submit annual reports to the general assembly on grants awarded and research findings

• Program and council automatically sunset on December 31, 2018 unless reauthorized by the general assembly; if reauthorized, sunset occurs on December 31, 2024