BILL REQ. #:  H-1281.1 

Read first time 01/25/2007.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to organisms created by human innovation; adding new sections to chapter 43.350 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.23 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Washington is a leader in developing innovative bioproducts for human therapy, animal therapy, and plant life. The state of Washington would like to encourage further development of plant, animal, and human therapy research and innovation while still providing predictability and rules for such research. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to develop guidelines for plant, animal, and human therapy research to be conducted in the state to ensure that the state maintains its position as a leader in this area and continues to spur further research and innovation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.350 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) It is the policy of the state of Washington 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, shall be permitted after full consideration of the ethical and medical implications of this research.
     (2) Any research involving the derivation and use of human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human adult stem cells, including somatic cell nuclear transplantation, must be reviewed by the human stem cell research advisory committee, created in section 3 of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 43.350 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The human stem cell research advisory committee is created and consists of the following members:
     (a) The governor or the governor's designee;
     (b) A representative from the University of Washington;
     (c) A representative from Washington State University;
     (d) The attorney general or an assistant attorney general with relevant expertise; and
     (e) A representative from the Washington state medical quality assurance commission.
     (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 inform potential researchers of specific scientific, ethical, and legal considerations that must be examined prior to a research project being approved by the human stem cell research advisory committee.
     (3) The human stem cell research advisory committee shall review all stem cell research proposals prior to commencement of such research in the state. After full consideration of the ethical and medical implications of the research, the human stem cell research advisory committee shall determine, by a majority vote, whether the research project may go forward.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall adopt rules that establish appropriate management practices for coexistence of plant-based life sciences in this state. In adopting these rules, the department shall, at a minimum, consider the following issues:
     (a) The possible spread of genetically engineered organisms by pollen drift;
     (b) The need for isolation distances to prevent pollen drift where possible; and
     (c) The possible financial liability for farmers, patent holders, and manufacturers of genetically engineered organism products.
     (2) In adopting these rules, the department shall consider best available science.
     (3) The imposition of controls on genetically engineered organisms is of statewide significance and is preempted by the state. No city or town may enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances or other provisions that regulate the registration, labeling, sale, storage, transportation, distribution, notification of use, or use of genetically engineered organisms.