§15331. Maine Life Sciences Innovation Center
1.
Establishment; purpose.
The Maine Life Sciences Innovation Center, referred to in this subchapter as "the center," is established within the institute to support life sciences innovation, research, entrepreneurship and workforce development in the State. The center is established to serve the following purposes:
A.
To leverage and expand the State's life sciences sector by supporting collaborative research, workforce training and entrepreneurial ventures and seeking capital investment;
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B.
To advance life sciences innovation and sector research across disciplines, including human and animal health, marine sciences, agriculture, forestry and data science;
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
C.
To coordinate with public and private partners, educational and research institutions, nonprofit organizations and business stakeholders to strengthen the State's innovation efforts;
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
D.
To investigate opportunities for grants, loans and other resources to support life sciences entities;
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E.
To develop strategies to attract federal, philanthropic and private investment;
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
F.
To advise the Maine Technology Institute Director under section 15310 on matters related to life sciences innovation; and
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
G.
To report regularly to the Legislature regarding the center's operations, activities and recommendations.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
2.
Membership.
The center is composed of 10 members. The members include:
A.
The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, or the commissioner's designee, who serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member; and
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
B.
Nine voting members appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendation of the Finance Authority of Maine and the institute, with expertise spanning the life sciences sector and its allied disciplines, including representatives of industry, life sciences entrepreneurs, research institutions, academia, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, investors and counties, including rural counties. Each member under this paragraph is entitled to one vote.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
The Governor shall designate a chair from among the center's members to preside at, set the agenda for and schedule center meetings.
Center members shall disclose any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter before the center and recuse themselves from any participation in the consideration of such a matter.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
3.
Operations.
The following provisions govern the operations of the center.
A.
The center shall meet as often as it considers necessary for the center to perform its work.
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B.
To the extent practicable, the center shall conduct its work in a manner that is open and accessible to the public.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
C.
The center may conduct its work through subcommittees.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
4.
Staff and administrative support.
The institute shall provide staff as may be necessary to fulfill the center's mission and may seek assistance from other state agencies and private entities to accomplish the goals and work of the center.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
5.
Annual report.
The center shall submit annually to the Governor, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over economic development matters, no later than 120 days after the close of the center's fiscal year, a complete report on the activities of the center. The report must be made available to the public and must include the following for that fiscal year:
A.
A description of the center's operations;
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
B.
An accounting of the center's receipts and expenditures, assets and liabilities at the end of its fiscal year;
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
C.
A listing of all investments, grants, loans and incentives provided by the center during the fiscal year;
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
D.
A statement of the center's proposed and projected activities for the ensuing fiscal year; and
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
E.
Recommendations regarding further actions that may be suitable for achieving the purposes of this subchapter.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
After reviewing the report under this subsection, the joint standing committee may report out legislation relating to the report.
[PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2025, c. 643, §4 (NEW).