Missouri Life Sciences Research Board to be Eliminated

Missouri Life Sciences Research Board to be Eliminated

On April 11, 2017, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens established a task force to review the operation of the state’s various boards and commissions and recommend changes that could, among other things, “save taxpayer dollars and reduce the size and scope of government.” The task force issued its final report on October 31, 2017.

The task force report recommended, among other things, eliminating Missouri’s Life Sciences Research Board. The Board was established in 2004 to oversee the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund, which provides funding for life sciences research. It was charged with, among other things, establishing and implementing rules for the use of funds.

A draft of the task force report had reportedly proposed combining the Missouri Clean Waster Commission and Air Conservation Commission and placing two other environmental oversight panels under the umbrella of the new board. That proposal was removed from the task force’s final report, which recommended no changes to the Missouri Clean Water Commission, and suggested that the Air Conservation Commission continue operating, but take on the duties of the Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee.