Bill > HB166

This bill establishes the Henrietta Lacks Commission of Maryland Act of 2026, creating a new commission to oversee bioethical issues related to life sciences activities in Maryland, particularly those involving human research and the donation of body parts and tissues for medical purposes. The commission, referred to as "COMMISSION" in the bill, will be composed of representatives from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates, the Secretaries of Health and Commerce, the State Superintendent of Education, the Chair of the State Anatomy Board, and appointees from various state commissions and boards, including the Ethics Commission and the Board of Tourism, with the Governor designating the Chair. While commission members will not receive a salary, they will be reimbursed for expenses, and state agencies will jointly provide staff support. The commission's duties include conducting bioethical oversight in consultation with the O'Neill Institute of National and Global Health Law, promoting education about Henrietta Lacks and HeLa science, curating tributes to Henrietta Lacks, integrating these tributes into state tourism, fostering economic development in the Turner Station community, and making recommendations for achieving its goals, with an annual report due to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1st each year, starting in 2027.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0166?ys=2026RS