BILL REQ. #:  H-0265.1 

Read first time 01/11/2007.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to the use of the life sciences discovery fund to support research involving human stem cells; amending RCW 43.350.005; and adding a new section to chapter 43.350 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 43.350.005 and 2005 c 424 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature declares that promoting the health of state residents is a fundamental purpose of state government. The legislature declares it to be a clear public purpose and governmental function to promote life sciences research to foster a preventive and predictive vision of the next generation of health-related innovations, to enhance the competitive position of Washington state in this vital sector of the economy, and to improve the quality and delivery of health care for the people of Washington. The legislature finds that public support for and promotion of life sciences research will benefit the state and its residents through improved health status and health outcomes, economic development, and contributions to scientific knowledge, and such research will lead to breakthroughs and improvements that might not otherwise be discovered due to lack of existing market incentives, especially in the area of regenerative medicine. The legislature finds that in order to develop a vibrant life sciences research environment in Washington and to achieve the greatest benefits from investments in life sciences research, there must be a balanced investment in a broad range of research fields, including human adult stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human embryonic stem cells. The legislature finds that public support for and promotion of life sciences research has the potential to provide cures or new treatments for many debilitating diseases that cost the state millions of dollars each year. It is appropriate and consistent with the intent of the master settlement agreement between the state and tobacco product manufacturers to invest a portion of the revenues derived therefrom by the state in life sciences research, to leverage the revenues with other funds, and to encourage cooperation and innovation among public and private institutions involved in life sciences research. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a life sciences discovery fund authority, to grant that authority the power to contract with the state to receive revenues under the master settlement agreement, and to contract with other entities to receive other funds, and to disburse those funds consistent with the purpose of this chapter. The life sciences discovery fund is intended to promote the best available research in life sciences disciplines through diverse Washington institutions and to build upon existing strengths in the area of biosciences and biomanufacturing in order to spread the economic benefits across the state. The life sciences discovery fund is also intended to foster improved health care outcomes and improved agricultural production research across this state and the world. The research investments of the life sciences discovery fund are intended to further the goals of the "Bio 21" report and to support future statewide, comprehensive strategies to lead the nation in life sciences-related research and employment.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.350 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The human stem cell research advisory committee is created as a standing committee of the authority. The human stem cell research advisory committee consists of nine members appointed by the governor. The governor shall consider those candidates as may be recommended for appointment by the University of Washington and the biomedical community. The human stem cell research advisory committee consists of the following members:
     (a) Five scientists with experience in biomedical research in the field of cell differentiation, nuclear reprogramming, tissue formation and regeneration, stem cell biology, developmental biology, regenerative medicine, or related fields;
     (b) Two medical ethicists;
     (c) One person with a background in legal issues related to human embryonic stem cell research, in vitro fertilization, or family law, as it applies to the donation of blastocysts and oocytes; and
     (d) One member of the public.
     (2) The human stem cell research advisory committee shall develop scientific, ethical, and legal guidelines for research involving the derivation or use of human adult stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human embryonic stem cells in Washington. The guidelines must be submitted to the authority by July 1, 2008. The guidelines must include recommendations for the authority to use when selecting projects involving the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, by any method, including somatic cell nuclear transfer. The recommendations must inform the authority of specific scientific, ethical, and legal considerations to examine in its selection of research projects involving human stem cells. The authority shall use the scientific recommendations in the guidelines to assist the authority in determining which human stem cell research projects meet the goals of the funding criteria established in RCW 43.350.030. After adoption of the initial guidelines, the human stem cell research advisory committee may revise the guidelines, issue advisory opinions, or provide other technical assistance, at the request of the authority, to account for new developments in research and medicine. The authority may request that the human stem cell research advisory committee review specific research proposals that include the use of human stem cells. Such a review by the human stem cell research advisory committee must be submitted to the authority, which shall make all final determinations on project approval and funding.