Resolve, To Establish an Advisory Panel To Study the Implications of Genome-editing Technology for the Citizens of the State
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1601
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: ZAGER, CLAXTON, BROOKS, EVANS, HYMANSON, NEWELL, PERRY, BRENNER

Legislative Document
No. 1601
H.P. 1190
House of Representatives, April 27, 2021
Resolve, To Establish an Advisory Panel To Study the Implications 
of Genome-editing Technology for the Citizens of the State
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative ZAGER of Portland.
Cosponsored by Senator CLAXTON of Androscoggin and
Representatives: BROOKS of Lewiston, EVANS of Dover-Foxcroft, HYMANSON of York, 
NEWELL of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, PERRY of Calais, Senator: BRENNER of 
Cumberland.
Preamble.  Whereas, genome-editing technologies, such as clustered regularly 
interspaced short palindromic repeats, also known as CRISPR-Cas9, and gene drive, have 
been discovered and dramatically refined in recent years, enabling innumerable 
opportunities around the world to inexpensively edit the genetic code of any living thing; 
and
Whereas, many deadly human diseases could be eradicated with genome-editing 
technology, thereby saving countless lives, immeasurable heartache and large health care 
expenditures in perpetuity; and
Whereas, a genetic alteration in a species of marine, terrestrial or airborne animal, 
plant, fungus, protozoan, bacteria or virus could rapidly alter the natural beauty, ecology, 
security and economy of Maine; and
Whereas, Maine's higher education system and technology sector can further position 
themselves as leaders in innovation and ethical implementation, reaping enduring benefits 
for Maine citizens, through the use of these technologies; and
Whereas, there are significant ethical, social and legal considerations for genome 
editing in humans and other species; and
Whereas, in the past, scientific ideas have been used in the implementation of and to 
promote eugenics programs and other forms of oppression; and
Whereas, throughout history, living organisms have been used as weapons and 
genome-editing technologies create new security needs in the endless effort to protect the 
people of Maine and the United States; and
Whereas, genome editing has the potential to fundamentally improve or diminish our 
health, our natural environment, our social fabric and our economy; and
Whereas, the pace of innovation is accelerating and over the next several years Maine 
can capitalize on the changes in our world that genome editing can bring about or risk being 
left behind; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1.  Panel established.  Resolved:  That the Advisory Panel To Study the 
Implications of Genome-editing Technology for the Citizens of the State, referred to in this 
resolve as "the panel," is established.
Sec. 2.  Panel membership.  Resolved:   That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the 
panel consists of 17 members appointed as follows:
1.  Three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including 
members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature.  
In making the appointments pursuant to this subsection, the President of the Senate shall 
endeavor to appoint members having expertise in areas or backgrounds described under 
section 5;
2.  Six members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the 
House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats 
in the Legislature.  In making the appointments pursuant to this subsection, the Speaker of 
the House shall endeavor to appoint members having expertise in areas or backgrounds 
described under section 5;
3.   One member who is a bioethicist, appointed by the President of the Senate;
4.   One member who is a person under 30 years of age at the time of the appointment, 
appointed by the Speaker of the House;
5.  One member who is of the Wabanaki people, appointed by the President of the 
Senate;
6.  One member who is a fiction author or poet whose published works have explored 
the humanity of all people, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
7.  One member who is a person living with a single-gene disorder, such as cystic 
fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy or sickle-cell anemia, appointed by the President 
of the Senate;
8.  One member having expertise in an area or a background described under section 
5, appointed by the President of the Senate; and
9.  Two members having expertise in areas or backgrounds described under section 5, 
appointed by the Speaker of the House.
The Presiding Officers shall invite the participation on the panel of the Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Judicial Court or the chief justice's designee and the Governor or the 
Governor's designee.
Sec. 3.  Chairs.  Resolved:  That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair 
and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the panel.
Sec. 4.  Appointments; convening of panel.  Resolved:  That all appointments 
must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve.  The 
appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once 
all appointments have been completed.  After appointment of all members, the chairs shall 
call and convene the first meeting of the panel.  If 30 days or more after the effective date 
of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, the chairs may 
request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the panel to meet and 
conduct its business.
Sec. 5.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the panel shall study the implications of genome-
editing technology and the legislative, administrative or other steps that the State should 
take to capitalize on the potential and avoid the hazards of genome-editing technology.  In 
performing its duties under this section, the panel shall solicit the testimony, advice or 
participation of persons having the following backgrounds or areas of expertise:
1.  Ethics;
2.  Clinical medicine caring for children;
3.  Clinical medicine caring for adults;
4.  Public health;
5.  Bioscience research;
6.  Environmental protection;
7.  Forestry;
8.  Agriculture or aquaculture;
9.  Fishing;
10.  State economics;
11.  Tourism, business or commerce;
12.  Military or security affairs;
13.  University of Maine System or Maine Community College System;
14.  Living with a single-gene disorder, such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular 
dystrophy or sickle-cell anemia, or a parent or guardian of a person living with such a 
single-gene disorder;
15.  Hospital or hospice chaplaincy; and
16.  History of race, ethnicity or eugenics.
Sec. 6.  Staff assistance.  Resolved:  That the Legislative Council shall provide 
necessary staffing services to the panel, except that the Legislative Council staff support is 
not authorized when the Legislature is in regular or special session.
Sec. 7.  Report.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, no later than 
December 31, 2022, the panel shall submit a report that includes its findings and 
recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the First Regular 
Session of the 131st Legislature.
SUMMARY
 This resolve establishes the Advisory Panel To Study the Implications of Genome-
editing Technology for the Citizens of the State to study the implications of genome-editing 
technology and the legislative, administrative or other steps that the State should take to 
capitalize on the potential and avoid the hazards of genome-editing technology.  The panel 
is directed to submit its report, including suggested legislation, to the First Regular Session 
of the 131st Legislature by December 31, 2022.