Senate Bill 148

Chair's Name: Amos Amerson

Committee: Science & Technology

Senate Sponsor: David Shafer

SB 148 would create and provide for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood bank.  Under the provisions of this bill, the Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure would maintain a repository of postnatal tissue and fluid, donated by new mothers after childbirth, to use as a source for stem cells and other biological materials considered useful for research into new medical processes and treatments. The Commission shall establish such bank or network of banks by June 30, 2008.  By June 30, 2009, all obstetrical patients shall be informed of the bank and the donation process.  The bill stipulates that any publicly funded research must conform to federal law relating to stem cell research.  Finally, the bill provides for a method whereby taxpayers may contribute to the operation of the bank via tax returns.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Science & Technology Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Structured Rule. 

Chairman Amerson's opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

Stem cell research in Georgia

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

Research for cures for genetic illnesses

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Increases Personal Responsibility and Strengthens the Traditional Family Structure:

By helping to become more responsible citizens to improve healthcare for Georgia's families through donations from new mothers.