Sec. 1. 5 MRSA c. 383, sub-c. V-A is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER V-A

RESEARCH

§13103.__Maine Biomedical Research Program

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Biennium" means that period of time encompassed by the state budget fiscal biennium.

B.__"Eligible institution" means any Maine-based nonprofit institution that:

(1)__Performs competitive biomedical research, as evidenced by publication in recognized peer review journals; and

(2)__Receives or expends funds to perform biomedical research from federal agencies or private foundations.

C.__"Fund" means the Maine Biomedical Research Fund established in subsection 3.

D.__"Program" means the Maine Biomedical Research Program established in subsection 2.

2.__Program established.__The Maine Biomedical Research Program is established to disburse program funds from the Maine Biomedical Research Fund to eligible institutions pursuant to this section.__The department shall administer the program.__The department shall:

A.__Develop and modify detailed program guidelines consistent with this section in consultation as needed with members of the biomedical community;

B.__Review and if necessary verify applications for funds from eligible institutions;

C.__Determine whether the institution is an eligible institution;