Maryland Statutes
Part III - Stem Cell Research
Section 10-431 - Stem Cell Research Commission

(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.