In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Advisory Board” means the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board. “Corporation” means the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. “Life sciences” includes the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, life systems technologies, food sciences, environmental sciences, and biomedical devices.

There is a Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board in the Department. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to recommend State and federal policies, priorities, practices, and legislation to expedite the creation of private sector jobs through the commercialization of life sciences research.

The Advisory Board consists of the following 18 members: the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee; the Executive Director of the Corporation, or the Executive Director’s designee; and the following members appointed by the Governor: three representing federal agencies located in the State with life sciences missions; seven with executive experience in life sciences businesses located in the State, at least four of whom represent small businesses; four representing institutions of higher education located in the State, one of whom shall represent a community college; one with general business marketing experience in a life sciences business located in the State; and one member of the general public. The composition of the Advisory Board shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State. Except for the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee and the Executive Director of the Corporation or the Executive Director’s designee, the term of an Advisory Board member is 3 years. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A 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. The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Board on July 1, 2026. The Governor may remove a member of the Advisory Board for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to perform the duties of the position. The Governor shall select a chair from among the members of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board may act with an affirmative vote of eight members. A member of the Advisory Board: may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

The Advisory Board shall assist the Department in: developing a comprehensive State strategic plan for life sciences; promoting life sciences research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing in the State; promoting collaboration and coordination among life sciences organizations in the State; promoting collaboration and coordination among research institutions of higher education in the State; developing a strategy to coordinate State and federal resources to attract private sector investment and job creation in the life sciences; developing a strategy to support federal life sciences facilities located in the State, including support for education, transportation, housing, and capital investment needs; and making recommendations to address critical needs in the life sciences, including access to venture capital and capital construction funding. In performing its duties, the Advisory Board shall give due consideration to the business, scientific, medical, and ethical aspects of the life sciences industry.

The Advisory Board shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on or before December 15 of each year. The report shall include any recommendations from the Advisory Board and a summary of the activities of the Advisory Board during the preceding year.