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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Swisstack

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

03/16/07

HM 113

SHORT TITLE STUDY STEM CELL RESEARCH & USE

SB

ANALYST Geisler

ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT (dollars in thousands)

FY07

FY08

FY09 3 Year

Total Cost

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

Total

minimal

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to: SB 894 and SB 1232.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Memorial 113 requests that the Department of Health study the laws currently in place

regarding stem cell harvesting and use and to review further stem cell research, including the

empirical scientific research that has produced conclusive results in animal trials and the research

conducted on various sources of stem cells, such as stem cells from adults, amniotic fluid,

umbilical cords or others sources, as well as from embryonic sources; and report to the

Legislative Health and Human Services committee no later than October 2008 on study findings.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Fiscal implications are likely to be minimal to DOH.

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

Human stem cells are believed to hold promise for the understanding and treatment of many

major acute and chronic developmental and degenerative diseases. Because of their potential to

divide and specialize into many different cells types, stem cells have great potential for use in

repairing damaged tissues to recover lost function. The ability of stem cells to be re-directed

toward the development of different cells varies depending upon the source of the stem cell, with

adult cells appearing to have more limited potential than embryonic, placental and amniotic stem

cells.

House Memorial 113 – Page

2

However, the ethical and legal concerns about this type of research is complex. The National

Conference of State Legislatures website, in discussing state embryonic and fetal research laws

posted the following:

“State laws may restrict the use of embryonic stem cells from some or all sources or specifically

permit certain activities. State laws on the issue vary widely. Approaches to stem cell research

policy range from statutes in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey

and an Executive Order in Illinois which encourage embryonic stem cell research; to South

Dakota's law, which strictly forbids research on embryos regardless of the source. States that

specifically permit embryonic stem cell research have established guidelines for scientists such

as consent requirements and approval and review processes for projects."

RELATIONSHIP

HM 113 relates to SB 894 and SB 1232, both of which involve stem cell related research.

GG/mt