Bill Text: MS HB1341 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Stem Cell Research Task Force; create.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2010-02-02 - Died In Committee [HB1341 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2010-HB1341-Introduced.html

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MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2010 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services

By: Representative Clarke

House Bill 1341

AN ACT TO CREATE THE STEM CELL RESEARCH TASK FORCE; TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP; TO PRESCRIBE ITS DUTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     WHEREAS, embryonic stem cells are thought to have many medical applications, but before these applications can be discovered, scientists must perform the process of removing stem cells from embryos; and

     WHEREAS, adult stem cells are thought to have less application than embryonic stem cells, but scientists are avidly researching their natural functions to find ways to use them in medicine; and

     WHEREAS, when certain parts of the body need regenerating, the adult stem cells residing in that area can form into new tissue to replace the damaged tissue; and

     WHEREAS, because adult stem cells can only repair injured cells in their tissue of origin and not other cell types in the body, their uses for medical therapies aside from natural processes are limited; and

     WHEREAS, if ways to manipulate adult stem cells can be found, the possibilities for therapeutic applications are endless; and

     WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature recognizes that strategies for how to best support the research needed for productive stem cell application is urgently needed in our state and country; NOW, THEREFORE,

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  The Stem Cell Research Task Force is created to study and make recommendations to the Mississippi Legislature regarding the growing research and medical application of embryonic and adult stem cell research and how to finance and improve research techniques in our state.  The task force shall be composed of the following five (5) members:

          (a)  Four (4) research scientists who are currently studying the medical application of embryonic stem cell research, appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, two (2) of whom shall be studying the medical application of embryonic stem cell research, and two (2) of whom shall be studying the medical application of adult stem cell research;

          (b)  One (1) person who is a representative of the State Department of Health, to be appointed by the executive director of the department;

     (2)  The task force shall:

          (a)  Review the best practices of other states with regard to state services provided for embryonic and adult stem cell research;

          (b)  Review the standard of services provided by other states' local universities in educating and conducting embryonic and stem cell research;

          (c)  Assess the medical availability of services currently provided from embryonic and stem cell research;

          (d)  Identify the role of higher education in developing a medical work force in Mississippi that possesses the skills necessary to perform embryonic and stem cell research;

          (e)  Evaluate and identify any and all additional relevant information and make legislative recommendations regarding the development and implementation of a continuum of educational, medical application and financial support for embryonic and stem cell research; and

          (f)  File a report with those standing committees of the Mississippi State Legislature and with those state agencies having jurisdiction over specific recommendations of the task force, not later than December 1, 2010.

     (3)  The task force shall hold its first meeting not later than May 1, 2010, with the date, time and location of the meeting to be designated by the Governor.  At that first meeting, the task force shall elect from among its membership a chairman, vice chairman and any other officers determined to be necessary, and shall set the date, time and location of its next meeting.

     (4)  The State Department of Health shall provide the staff and other support necessary for the Stem Cell Research Task Force to perform its duties.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.