The bill proposes the establishment of the Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Accelerator Program under section 3333.802 of the Revised Code. The program aims to advance scientific research and develop treatments for traumatic brain injuries while promoting Ohio as a biohub for related research. The Brain Injury Research Foundation will administer the program as a public-private partnership, coordinating and awarding grants to eligible entities, including universities, that demonstrate matching funding from other sources. The foundation is also tasked with preparing annual progress reports and conducting independent audits of the program.
Additionally, the bill outlines the creation of a Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Accelerator Program Oversight Review Board, which will provide guidance and oversight for the program's implementation and fund allocation. The board will consist of five to thirteen members appointed by the Chancellor of Higher Education, ensuring representation from various university sizes and stakeholder advocates. The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Revenue Fund for the program in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective resource use in traumatic brain injury research.