The federal policy for funding for embryonic stem cell research leaves much to be desired for embryonic stem cell researchers. For a variety of reasons, many of the scientists want to work with stem cell lines beyond those that were derived before August 2001 -- but they can't get federal funding for it.

In recent years, several states have passed legislation designating funding for embryonic stem cell research -- and they're using the policies to lure top biotech companies and biologists to their research institutions. This impacts not only the states' biotechnology reputations, but also their economies.

As a result, other states are clamoring to pass legislation about embryonic stem cell research -- but not all of them are considering offering funding. Instead, many state legislatures have at least considered bans against embryonic stem cell research because of the ethical controversy involved -- including Wisconsin, which was one of the pioneers of the research.

Here's an overview of state laws allowing for public funding of embryonic stem cell research:

California

As a pioneer in state embryonic stem cell research legislation, California voters approved Proposition 71 on Nov. 2, 2004. The proposition allocated $3 billion bonding initiative that is projected to provide about $300 million in stem cell research funding annually for 10 years. Proposition 71 also established the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, a state agency to distribute the funds. However, as of January 2006, the program was still facing legal difficulties, with at least 15 more months of appeals expected before the first major grants could be issued.

• California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
• California Attorney General: Proposition 71 (.pdf document)

New Jersey

In January 2004, the state legislature legalized embryonic stem cell research. A year later, acting New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey announced the state will invest $150 million to build a stem cell research center and promised to champion a ballot initiative to allocate another $230 million toward stem cell research. By the end of 2005, New Jersey became the only state to award public funds for stem cell research, disbursing $5 million in grants to research institutions in the state.

• The Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey

Massachusetts

In May 2005, Massachusetts lawmakers overrode Gov. Mitt Romney's veto to pass a law legalizing so-called "therapeutic cloning" of human embryos to extract stem cells. It's the only state to pass a law supporting embryonic stem cell research without providing funding. But in 2006, the state is expected to pass a law committing state funds to the science.

• Massachusetts Senate No. 2028

Connecticut

In June 2005, Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell signed into law a bill that earmarked $100 million for embryonic stem cell research over 10 years. The state's Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee hopes to award research grants by the summer of 2006.

• Connecticut Bill No. 5912

Illinois

In July 2005, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich circumvented the state legislature by issuing an executive order to dedicate $10 million for stem cell research. The order also established the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute to distribute the grant money.

• Illinois Executive Order 6

Additional Resources:

• More State Laws: National Conference of State Legislatures
• Global Laws: MBBnet World Map