Illinois Gov. Blagojevich Signs Measure Allowing Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Via the Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report:

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) on Tuesday signed into law a measure (SB 4) that prohibits human cloning but allows several kinds of stem cell research, including human embryonic stem cell research, the Chicago Tribune reports (Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 8/29).

The law will require the Department of Public Health to further develop and administer the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute, which was established in July 2005 by an executive order issued by Blagojevich and has since distributed $15 million for stem cell research. The law also will establish an oversight committee of seven members appointed by Blagojevich to oversee the institute's grant decisions.