(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.