§ 10-431. Stem Cell Research Commission

   (a) Established. -- There is a Stem Cell Research Commission.

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

(c) Composition; appointment. -- 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) Tenure; vacancies; limitation. --

   (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) Ethics. -- 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) Chair. -- The members of the Commission shall elect a chair from among the appointed members of the Commission.

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

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

(i) Compensation; reimbursement for expenses. -- 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) Staff. -- The Commission may employ a staff, including contractual staff, in accordance with the State budget.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 83A, § 5-2B-04(a)-(h), (j), 5-2B-07(b); 2008, ch. 306, § 2.