(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.

ty 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.

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.