(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.