There is a Stem Cell Research Commission. The Commission is an independent commission that functions in the Corporation. The Commission consists of the following members: the Attorney General or the Attorney General’s designee; three patient advocates, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; three individuals with experience in biotechnology, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; two individuals who work as scientists for the University System of Maryland and do not engage in stem cell research, appointed by the University System of Maryland; two individuals who work as scientists for the Johns Hopkins University and do not engage in stem cell research, appointed by the Johns Hopkins University; two bioethicists, one appointed by the University System of Maryland and one appointed by the Johns Hopkins University; and two individuals with expertise in the field of biomedical ethics as it relates to religion, appointed by the Governor. The term of an appointed member is 2 years. The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2008. At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. An appointed member may not serve more than three consecutive full terms. An appointed member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. Each member of the Commission shall disclose to the State Commission on Ethics whether the member is employed by or has a financial interest in an entity that may apply to conduct State–funded stem cell research. The members of the Commission shall elect a chair from among the appointed members of the Commission. A majority of the full authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum. The Commission shall meet at least twice a year. A member of the Commission: may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Commission may employ a staff, including contractual staff, in accordance with the State budget.