MD HB166

Establishes the Henrietta Lacks Commission in Maryland to honor the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and oversee issues related to HeLa cells, effective October 1, 2026

Commission membership includes 11 members: one state senator, one delegate, representatives from Health, Commerce, Education, the State Anatomy Board, State Ethics Commission, Life Sciences Advisory Board, Maryland Economic Development Commission, Board of Tourism, and State Archives

Requires the Commission to conduct bioethical oversight of life sciences activities involving human research and body/organ/tissue donation, in consultation with the O'Neill Institute of National and Global Health Law

Directs the Commission to promote education about Henrietta Lacks, curate a registry of tributes to her, incorporate her legacy into state tourism campaigns, and support economic development in the Turner Station community of Dundalk

Members serve 2-year terms without compensation but receive expense reimbursement; annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly required beginning December 1, 2027