CT SB00539

Establishes a working group to create a roadmap positioning Connecticut as a national leader in developing and commercializing microbiome-based treatments, products, and services.

Working group must examine best practices from leading institutions, the balance between research and commercialization, potential specializations in human/animal/environmental microbiome fields, talent and educational requirements, and academic expertise at state institutions.

Composition includes commissioners from Economic and Community Development, Public Health, and Revenue Services; university and medical school leaders; and gubernatorial appointees representing independent institutions, medical schools, Yale, bioscience companies, venture capital, and hospitals.

Working group must submit a comprehensive report by January 1, 2019 with recommendations for legislative and programmatic changes, proposed budgets at multiple funding levels, and measurable goals with implementation timelines.

Members receive no mileage reimbursement or transportation allowance; working group shall present findings to the Governor and relevant General Assembly committees by February 1, 2019.