Creates the New York Stem Cell Research Institute

2 Co-sponsors

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Toby Ann Stavisky

BILL NUMBER:S1249

Title of bill

An act creating the New York Stem Cell Research Institute

Purpose

This bill establishes the New York Stem Cell Research Institute, sets forth procedures for the appointments of the New York state stem cell board, and establishes guidelines for the distribution of grants for the advancement of stem cell research.

Summary of specific provisions

Sections 1 through 3 set forth the legislative intent and establishes the New York Stem Cell Research Institute. The institute shall have the following purposes:

- Make grants and loans for stem cell research, for facilities, and for other vital research opportunities to realize therapies, protocols, and/or medical procedures that will result in the cure for, or substantial mitigation of, major diseases, injuries and orphan diseases.

- Support all stages of the process of developing cures, from laboratory research through successful clinical trials.

- Establish appropriate regulatory standards and oversight bodies for research and facilities development.

- Ban the use of any funds from the institute to be used for research involving human reproductive cloning.

Sections 4 through 6 establishes the New York stem cell board. This board shall consist of nineteen appointed members: five from the Governor, 3 from the temporary president of the senate, three from the speaker of the assembly, two each from the minority leaders in each house, and two from the state comptroller and two from the attorney general. Board members terms shall be for six years.

The board shall elect a chairperson and vice chair. Such individuals shall meet the following criteria:

- a documented history in successful stem cell research advocacy;

- experience with state and federal legislative process;

- not currently employed by a prospective grant recipient;

- experience in establishing governmental standards; and

- direct knowledge and experience in bond financing.

Section 7 sets forth public and financial accountability standards, including an independent financial audit for review by the state comptroller.

Section 8 establishes guidelines for conflicts of interest.

Section 9 establishes standards for patent royalties and license revenues.

Section 10 gives preference to New York suppliers.

Section 11 is the effective date.

Existing law

None.

Justification

Millions of children and adults suffer from devastating diseases or injuries that are currently incurable, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, blindness, Lou Gehrig's disease, HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and more than seventy other diseases and injuries.

Recently, medical science has discovered a new way to attack chronic disease and injures. The cure and treatment of these diseases can potentially be accomplished throughout the use of new regenerative medical therapies including a special type of human cells, called stem cells. These lifesaving medical breakthroughs can only happen if adequate funding is made available to advance stem cell research, develop therapies, and conduct clinical trials.

Unfortunately, the federal government is not providing adequate funding necessary for the urgent research and facilities needed to develop stem cell therapies to treat and cure disease and serious injuries. This critical funding gap currently prevents the rapid advancement of research that could benefit millions of New Yorkers.

This legislation would establish the New York Stem Cell Institute, to make grants for opportunities in the area of stem cell research.

Legislative history

2011-12: S.2784 - Referred to Health 2009-10: S.1133 - Referred to Health 2007-08: S.2923 - Referred to Health 2005-06: S.5932 - Referred to Health

Fiscal implications

None.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.