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.Amended by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 580,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2020.