HF 4064 laid over after testimony urging a feasibility study of Minnesota's gene‑therapy ecosystem

House File 4064 would commission a feasibility study to assess Minnesota’s capacity to support cell and gene therapy research, development, production and delivery.

Vice Chair Riar said the study would map the state’s assets and identify what is needed to become a national hub, including potential public‑private partnerships and funding sources. Dr. George Aslanidi (Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota) and Dr. Laura Lambert (Mayo Clinic) testified the state has strong research assets but lacks centralized production capacity and coordination to move discoveries from lab to patient.

Committee members raised concerns about project cost, IRB and tribal review when studies involve underserved communities, and whether the state should invest limited resources in this area. Sponsor and supporters said the study is a modest first step to understand gaps and next steps; a fiscal note was requested and the bill was laid over for further work.