Senate Bill No. 451 establishes an Advisory Council on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy and other gene therapies, which will be effective starting July 1, 2026. The council's primary function is to provide guidance to the Department of Public Health and other state agencies on the availability, equitable delivery, training for clinical providers, patient follow-up, and safety protocols related to these therapies. It will also focus on educating patients and caregivers about insurance coverage and coordinating with research collaborations and government agencies. The council is tasked with developing a state-wide referral network and centers of excellence for therapy delivery. Notable insertions in the bill include the council's responsibilities for advising on insurance coverage and developing safety protocols, while no deletions from current law are specified.

The council will comprise 28 members, including representatives from state agencies, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates, with initial appointments to be made by October 31, 2026. Members will serve three-year terms without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses. The council is required to report annually to the General Assembly on its findings, research, and recommendations for legislative changes, as well as potential funding sources for its activities. The council is also authorized to accept grants and donations to support its work. The bill outlines the council's responsibilities, including developing safety protocols to address patient complications and tracking patient outcomes based on equity factors, and mandates that the council meet quarterly, with its first meeting scheduled by November 30, 2026.