State Government - Henrietta Lacks Commission - Establishment (Henrietta Lacks Commission of Maryland Act of 2026)

Summary

The bill establishes a new state commission focused on the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the use of HeLa cells. It appoints members from the legislature, state agencies and governor‑appointed representatives, sets a two‑year term, and requires an annual report starting in 2027. The commission will conduct bioethical oversight, promote public education, and support tourism and economic projects linked to Lacks’ legacy.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Education, Energy, and the Environment — Bill Hearing
  Education, Energy, and the Environment · Mar 26, 2026
• Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
  Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee · Mar 26, 2026
• Government, Labor, and Elections — Bill Hearing
  Government, Labor, and Elections · Feb 10, 2026

History

1. Mar 20, 2026Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
2. Mar 19, 2026Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
3. Mar 18, 2026Third Reading Passed
4. Mar 17, 2026Second Reading Passed with Amendments
5. Mar 17, 2026Favorable with Amendments {
6. Mar 16, 2026Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
7. Jan 28, 2026Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
8. Jan 14, 2026First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections
9. Oct 16, 2025Pre-filed

Sponsors

• Metzgar · sponsor
• Crutchfield
• Fair
• Kerr
• Lehman
• Ruth
• Sample-Hughes
• Schmidt
• Solomon
• Terrasa
• Wells
• Wilson
• Wu

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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