ME LD1643

Establishes the Maine Life Science Innovation Center as a body corporate and politic to coordinate and expand the state's life science sector, including human and animal health, marine biology, agriculture, forestry, and data science

Creates a 15-member Board of Directors with 4 ex officio members (Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, Maine Technology Institute president, University of Maine System chancellor, and Maine Community College System president) and 11 Governor-appointed members representing life science businesses, research institutions, trade associations, and rural counties

Establishes the Maine Life Science Innovation Fund, a nonlapsing fund to provide investments, grants, loans, and incentives to certified life science businesses, research institutions, and educational institutions

Appropriates $2,000,000 in General Fund revenue for each of fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 ($4,000,000 total) for start-up costs, plus $500 annually in Other Special Revenue Funds to accept private gifts and grants

Grants the Center broad powers including issuing bonds, acquiring property, entering contracts with federal and state governments, and requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on operations, strategic plan progress, and financial activities