2013 Maryland Code
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
§ 10-431 - Stem Cell Research Commission

§10-431.

(a) There is a Stem Cell Research Commission.

(b) The Commission is an independent commission that functions in the Corporation.

(c) The Commission consists of the following members:

(1) the Attorney General or the Attorney General’s designee;

(2) three patient advocates, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;

(3) three individuals with experience in biotechnology, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;

(4) two individuals who work as scientists for the University System of Maryland and do not engage in stem cell research, appointed by the University System of Maryland;

(5) two individuals who work as scientists for the Johns Hopkins University and do not engage in stem cell research, appointed by the Johns Hopkins University;

(6) two bioethicists, one appointed by the University System of Maryland and one appointed by the Johns Hopkins University; and

(7) two individuals with expertise in the field of biomedical ethics as it relates to religion, appointed by the Governor.

(d) (1) The term of an appointed member is 2 years.

(2) The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2008.

(3) At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(4) An appointed member may not serve more than three consecutive full terms.

(5) An appointed member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(e) Each member of the Commission shall disclose to the State Commission on Ethics whether the member is employed by or has a financial interest in an entity that may apply to conduct State-funded stem cell research.

(f) The members of the Commission shall elect a chair from among the appointed members of the Commission.

(g) A majority of the full authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum.

(h) The Commission shall meet at least twice a year.

(i) A member of the Commission:

(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but

(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(j) The Commission may employ a staff, including contractual staff, in accordance with the State budget.