Closing Arguments Submitted in Stem Cell Trial
Attorneys in the case to determine the constitutionality of Proposition 71 -- a $3 billion stem cell initiative approved in November 2004 -- electronically filed closing arguments in the form of written briefs on Thursday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Plaintiffs' attorneys wrote that statements and depositions from California Institute for Regenerative Medicine officials show that Proposition 71 has created a private entity that controls state funds, which violates the state constitution.
Deputy Attorney General Tamar Pachter wrote in a brief, "Plaintiffs failed to prove any facts that could possibly justify invalidating Proposition 71." Pachter wrote that testimony by CIRM leaders in the trial showed that the institute operates under the supervision and control of the state.
Final reply briefs must be filed by Wednesday with Alameda County Superior Court Judge Bonnie Sabraw.
In related news, Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee Chair Robert Klein said the state is close to finalizing a $50 million bond issue to be sold to fund CIRM until Proposition 71 funds can be disbursed. The money would pay for training grants and operating expenses through the end of the year, Klein said.
Bonds only will be repaid if the state wins legal challenges to Proposition 71 (Tansey, San Francisco Chronicle, 3/10).