Guv adds embryonic stem-cell research to agenda

Gov. Bill Richardson has added embryonic stem cell research to an already-packed agenda for this year’s 30-day legislative session.

The governor’s message came down last week, and Richardson told lawmakers that he wanted legislation to permit “biomedical research on limited categories of human embryonic stem cells” while prohibiting human cloning.
Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, has introduced such legislation, but it hasn’t gone before a committee yet, judging by the Legislature’s bill locator and House committee schedules.

With little more than two weeks to go in the session, that would lead some to believe the bill’s chances aren’t great–especially in a 30-day session that’s supposed to be focused on the budget.