SB 5594-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Declares that it is the policy of Washington state that research involving the derivation and use of human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human adult stem cells from any source, including somatic cell nuclear transplantation, is permitted upon full consideration of the ethical and medical implications of this research.

Requires a physician, surgeon, or other health care provider delivering fertility treatment to provide his or her patient with timely, relevant, and appropriate information to allow the individual to make an informed and voluntary choice regarding the disposition of any human embryos remaining following the fertility treatment. The information must include the option of storing unused embryos, donating unused embryos to another individual, discarding unused embryos, or donating unused embryos for research.

Requires a patient who chooses to donate unused embryos for research after a consultation under this act to provide written consent.

Provides that a person may donate human embryonic tissue or human cadaveric fetal tissue for research purposes.

Provides that a person may not knowingly, for valuable consideration, purchase or sell human embryonic tissue or human cadaveric fetal tissue for research purposes.

Declares that a person who violates this act is guilty of a felony and upon conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed fifty thousand dollars or imprisonment not to exceed five years, or both.

Declares that no person may knowingly engage or assist in the cloning or attempted cloning of a human being.

Authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to enjoin any person from violating this act.

Declares that any person who violates this act is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed three hundred thousand dollars for each violation. Civil penalties authorized by this provision may be imposed in any civil action brought by the attorney general.

Declares that nothing in this act shall be construed to restrict areas of biomedical, agricultural, and scientific research not specifically prohibited by this act, including somatic cell nuclear transfer or other cloning technologies to clone molecules, DNA, cells, and tissues.