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Genome Statute and Legislation Database

The Genome Statute and Legislation Database is comprised of state statutes and bills introduced during the 2002-2024 U.S. state legislative sessions.

Overview

The Genome Statute and Legislation Database is reviewed and updated monthly. Searchable topics in the database include employment and insurance discrimination, health insurance coverage, privacy, research, the use of residual newborn screening specimens and other topics of interest.

Definitions of terms such as "bill", "statute", and "regulation" are available through the Glossary of Statutory, Legislative, and Regulatory Terms.

For other helpful links and legislative databases, please see Additional Resources.

Search

State Sort descending Primary Link Topic(s) Bill Status Summary
California Research Enacted

This bill amends existing law on the protection of human subjects, which provides an exemption until January 1, 2011 for any medical experimental treatment that benefits a patient subject to a life-threatening emergency if prescribed conditions are met. This bill provides that this exemption remains in effect until January 1, 2014. Signed by the Governor July 15, 2010.

California Health Insurance Nondiscrimination, Other Lines of Insurance Nondiscrimination Died

This bill states that all biological data derived from post-CLIA bioinformatics services shall be considered to contain genetic characteristics, as defined in section 1374.7 of the Health and Safety Code and section 10146 of the Insurance Code and is subject to the prohibitions in those sections of the statutes. Measure failed.

California Privacy Died

Amends statute pertaining to security requirements for business that own, license, or maintain personal information about a California resident. This bill would add genetic information to the definition of personal information under the law. Died.

California Health Insurance Nondiscrimination Statute

Authorizes an association of employers to offer a large group health care service plan contract or large group health insurance policy to small group employer members of the association consistent with federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, if certain requirements are met. A policy or contract that covers a small employer, as defined in subsection (b) of Section 1304 of PPACA and in Section 1357.500 of the California Health and Safety Code, may not establish rules for eligibility, including continued eligibility, of an individual, or dependent of an individual, to enroll under the terms of the policy or contract based on any of the following health status-related factors, including genetic information.

California Privacy, Research Enacted

Abolishes the Office of Health Information Integrity and the Office of Patient Advocate. Establishes the Center for Data Insights and Innovation within the California Health and Human Services Agency, and transfers the duties of the Office of Health Information Integrity and the Office of Patient Advocate to the center. Requires the center to: (1) assume responsibility for administering the State Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects; (2) keep all personal information obtained by the center confidential, as specified; and (3) meet various requirements with regard to the disclosure of information, including the development of a comprehensive program regarding the disclosure of information to qualified researchers according to specified data use agreements. 10/8/21 Approved by the Governor. Effective immediately.

California Health Insurance Nondiscrimination, Privacy Statute

A person who negligently or willfully discloses genetic test results in an individuals medical records who is applying for or enrolled in a health care service plan, except with written authorization in the format specified, is subject to fines as set forth in the statutes.

California Employment Nondiscrimination Enacted

This bill, referred to as CalGINA, prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in several areas in addition to those addressed by existing law, including in housing, at certain business facilities, at state agencies, entities funded by or receiving financial assistance from the state, and in the provision of emergency services. Signed by the Governor on September 6, 2011.

California Privacy, Research Died

This bill creates the Genetic Information privacy Act. The bill prohibits any person from obtaining, analyzing, or disclosing genetic information without the written authorization of the individual to whom the information pertains and requires a separate written authorization for each separate disclosure of an individual's genetic information, with some exceptions such as for law enforcement. The bill permits disaggregated and anonymized data to be used in the manner specified that was collected before the bill's enactment without the authorization described above. The bill also permits the use of disaggregated and anonymized data, as specified, if written authorization is obtained and the data is used for a purpose authorized by the individual to whom the information pertains. Measure failed.

California Health Insurance Coverage Died

Prohibits an individual or group health care service plan contract or health insurance policy issued, amended, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, from requiring prior authorization for genetic biomarker testing for an enrollee or insured with metastatic or advanced stage 3 or 4 cancer. Died.

California Health Insurance Nondiscrimination Statute

The statutes require carriers and health care service plans offering plan contracts in the individual market, other than individual grandfathered plan coverage, to offer to the responsible party for a child coverage for the child that does not exclude or limit coverage due to any preexisting condition of the child. A health care service plan may not condition the issuance or offering of individual coverage on certain factors, including genetic information.

California Health Insurance Coverage Enacted

Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing, including individual sequencing, trio sequencing for a parent or parents and their baby, and ultra-rapid sequencing, is a covered benefit for any Medi-Cal beneficiary who is one year of age or younger and is receiving inpatient hospital services in an intensive care unit. Carries over to 2022.

California Privacy, Research Statute

Creates the Genetic Information privacy Act. Requires a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company to do the following: (1) provide clear and complete information regarding the company�s policies and procedures for the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of genetic data; and (2) obtain a consumer�s express consent for collection, use, and disclosure of the consumer�s genetic data including, at a minimum, separate and express consent for each circumstance specified. Genetic data is defined as any data, regardless of its format, that results from the analysis of a biological sample from a consumer, or from another element enabling equivalent information to be obtained, and concerns genetic material. Genetic material includes, but is not limited to, deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), ribonucleic acids (RNA), genes, chromosomes, alleles, genomes, alterations or modifications to DNA or RNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), uninterpreted data that results from the analysis of the biological sample, and any information extrapolated, derived, or inferred therefrom. Genetic data does not include deidentified data or data or a biological sample that is collected, used, maintained, and disclosed exclusively for scientific research conducted by an investigator with an institution that holds an assurance with the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to Part 46 (commencing with Section 46.101) of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations for the protection of human subjects in research.

California Research Enacted

This bill continue the exemption to informed consent requirements for human subjects in the event of a life-threatening emergency indefinitely. The existing exemption is set to expire on January 1, 2014. Approved by the Governor on Oct. 4, 2013.

California Privacy Died

This bill states that it is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to protect individuals from the unauthorized use of their genetic information, ensure that genetic information is personal information that is not collected, stored, or disclosed without the individual's authorization, provide protections for the collection, storage, and authorized use of genetic information, and promote the use of genetic information for legitimate reasons, including, but not limited to, health care, research, advancement of medicine, and educational purposes, as the field of genomics advances. Died.

California Privacy Enacted

Amends existing law to protect the privacy and security of computerized data, including personal information, owned or licensed by an agency. This bill adds genetic data to the scope of personal information under the law. Genetic data is defined as any data that results from the analysis of a biological sample of an individual, or from another source enabling equivalent information to be obtained, and concerns genetic material. Genetic material includes, but is not limited to, deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), ribonucleic acids (RNA), genes, chromosomes, alleles, genomes, alterations or modifications to DNA or RNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), uninterpreted data that results from analysis of the biological sample or other source, and any information extrapolated, derived, or inferred therefrom. 10/5/21 Approved by the Governor. Effective 1/1/2022.

California Other Topics Died

Establishes the Commission on the State of Hate. Requires the commission to advise the Legislature, the Governor, and state agencies on, among other things, policy recommendations to promote intersocial education designed to foster mutual respect and understanding among California�s diverse population. Appointees to the commission are comprised of experts in combating hate, intolerance, and discrimination on the basis of various factors such as genetic information. Died.

California Health Insurance Nondiscrimination, Other Lines of Insurance Nondiscrimination Statute

Disability insurers covering hospital, medical and surgical expenses may not fail or refuse to accept an application, fail or refuse to issue insurance, cancel or refuse to renew insurance, charge a higher rate or premium, offer or provide different terms, conditions or benefits, or place a limitation on coverage based on genetic characteristics that may be associated with disability in a person of that persons offspring. These insurers also may not seek information about a persons genetic characteristics for non-therapeutic purposes. Specific penalties are set forth for violations. Life and disability insurers may not discriminate based solely on the fact that the person to be insured carries a gene that may be associated with disability in that person or the persons offspring, but which causes no adverse effects in the carrier, including but not limited to Tay-Sachs trait, sickle cell trait, thalassemia trait, and X-linked hemophilia trait.

Colorado Other Topics Enacted

Prohibits direct primary health care providers from discriminating in the selection of patients on the basis of genetic information and other protected classes. 4/24/2017 Signed Act.

Colorado Privacy, Research Died

Establishes a parental bill of rights. Requirements include parental consent in writing before any record of a minor child's blood or DNA is made, shared, or stored, unless such blood or DNA is otherwise required by law or court order. Died.

Colorado Health Insurance Nondiscrimination Statute

Health-status related factor is defined to include genetic information in Title 10 Article 16, which pertains to health care coverage.

Colorado Health Insurance Coverage Enacted

Amends the provision requiring health_insurance_coverage for mammography for an individual with a genetic predisposition. The amended version of the statute refers to guidelines of professional associations to determine coverage requirements. May 16, 2019 Signed by the Governor.

Colorado Health Insurance Coverage Died

Amends the health care coverage law for breast cancer screening by requiring coverage for a person with an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer determined by a risk factor model such as Tyrer-Cuzick, BRCAPro, or Gail. 05/02/2016 In Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs. Postponed Indefinitely.

Colorado Health Insurance Coverage Statute

The law requires breast cancer screening with mammography annually for persons with a predisposition to breast cancer.

Colorado Privacy Enacted

Creates the Colorado privacy Act. Prohibits the processing of a consumer's sensitive data without first obtaining the consumer's consent. Sensitive data includes genetic or biometric that may be processed for the purpose of uniquely identifying an individual. 7/7/2021 Governor signed. Effective July 1, 2024.

Colorado Privacy Died

Establishes the parent's bill of rights. Requirements set forth in the bill include parental written consent before any record of a minor child's blood or DNA is made, shared or stored unless required by law or court order. 02/13/2020 House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely.

Colorado Health Insurance Nondiscrimination, Privacy, Research Statute

Genetic information the property of the individual, and written consent is required for its disclosure other than for diagnosis, treatment or therapy. Health care entities may not retain or use genetic information for non-therapeutic purposes or request or require a genetic test; however, test results may be used on a limited basis to make payment decisions. Exceptions under the law include the use of genetic information for scientific research if the identity of the individual to whom the genetic information pertains is not disclosed to a third party other than the individuals physician with written consent. The law provides remedies for individuals whose rights are violated.

Colorado Other Lines of Insurance Nondiscrimination, Privacy, Research Statute

Genetic information is the property of the individual to whom it pertains. Release of genetic information that identifies the person tested for purposes other than diagnosis, treatment and therapy requires specific written consent. Exemptions under the law include some uses by research facilities. researchers may use genetic testing information for scientific research as long as the identity of any individual to whom the information pertains is not disclosed to any third party except that the individuals identity may be disclosed to the individuals physician with written consent. Group disability or long-term care insurers that receive genetic information may not seek, use or keep the information for any non-therapeutic or underwriting purpose. Life insurers and individual disability insurers may not perform a genetic test without informed consent. Penalties are set forth for unfair trade practices with respect to group disability and long-term care insurance.

Colorado Other Topics Statute

Prohibits direct primary health care providers from discriminating in the selection of patients on the basis of genetic information and other protected classes.

Colorado Employment Nondiscrimination Enacted

This bill prohibits the reduction of an employees permanent total disability when the disability is a result of a work-related injury or a work-related injury combined with a congenital, genetic or similar conditions except that the law does not apply to reductions in recovery or apportionment allowed pursuant to Colorado Supreme Court decision in Anderson v. Brinkhoff, 859 P.2d 819, (Colo. 1993). Signed into law June 2, 2008.

Colorado Health Insurance Nondiscrimination, Privacy, Research Enacted

This bill amends definitions in the Colorado genetic nondiscrimination in health insurance law. The bill also adds a new section to the Colorado statutes pertaining to limitations on disclosure of genetic information and allows the use of genetic information by research facilities provided that the information is not disclosed to third parties other than to an individual's physician with his or her consent. Signed by the Governor May 25, 2010.

Colorado Privacy Died

Concerns a study of consumer protection regulation of digital communications platforms. Introduced version included a provision related to sensitive data such as genetic data. However, this provision was deleted from the engrossed version of the bill. Died.

Colorado Privacy Enacted

This bill amends section 10-3-1104.6 of the statutes by modifying a provision on limitations on disclosure of genetic information. The list of public health entities exempt from limitations on disclosure when conducting certain activities is reworded to include county, district or municipal public health agencies. Signed by the Governor on June 10, 2010.

Colorado Health Insurance Coverage Died

Amends existing coverage requirements for breast cancer screening with mammography for individuals with a genetic predispoition to breast cancer. Requires all sickness and accident insurance policies to provide coverage for breast imaging for all individuals possessing at least one risk factor for breast cancer, including a family history of breast cancer, being 40 years of age or older, or a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Died.

Colorado Health Insurance Coverage Enacted

This bill amends existing statutes pertaining to mammography coverage for persons with a predisposition to breast cancer by amending provisions related to copayments and deductibles and the frequency of mammography coverage requirements (breast cancer screening with mammography required annually.) Signed by the Governor on May 13, 2013.

Colorado Privacy Died

This bill requires a state agency or educational institution to obtain consent from parents or eligible students prior to collecting certain data, including biometric records. Biometric records are defined to include DNA. Died.

Connecticut Other Topics Died

Establishes a task force to require a study of the link between the abnormal genes associated with breast and ovarian cancers and the nerve death associated with Alzheimer's disease to improve diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of such disease. Died.

Connecticut Employment Nondiscrimination Statute

It is a discriminatory practice for an employer, an employment agency, or for any labor organization to request or require genetic information from an employee, a person seeking employment or a member. These entities may not discharge, expel or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of genetic information.

Connecticut Privacy Died

Requires businesses to disclose the proposed use of any personal information and to give consumers the right to discover what personal information the business possesses. Consumers may opt out of the sale of such information. Personal information is defined to include biometric information such as DNA which can be used to identify an individual. Died.

Connecticut Health Insurance Nondiscrimination, Other Lines of Insurance Nondiscrimination Died

Prohibits insurers, health care centers or fraternal benefit societies from purchasing information from direct-to-consumer genetic testing; requesting or requiring that a person disclose this information; or using such information in connection with the issuance, extension, renewal or withholding of an annuity, life insurance or health insurance. Insurers may not make provision of any insurance coverage, benefit, rate or term based on a requirement to undergo genetic testing or the results of a genetic test of an individual's family unless the results are in the individual's medical record. Died.

Connecticut Other Topics Died

Creates a penalty for the unauthorized public photography of an individual with a genetic or medical condition. Died.

Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage Died

Requires health_insurance_coverage for genetic cystic fibrosis screenings for women. Died.

Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage Enacted

Adds tomosynthesis to health_insurance_coverage requirements if a woman is believed to be at increased risk for breast cancer due to family history or prior personal history of breast cancer, positive genetic testing or other indications as determined by a woman's physician or advanced practice registered nurse. June 2, 2016 Approved. Effective January 1, 2017.

Connecticut Employment Nondiscrimination Died

This bill amends the state genetic nondiscrimination law for employment by creating an exemption for state or local law enforcement, the department of public safety and the division of scientific services that allows those entities to request or require employees to provide genetic information for the purpose of detecting contamination of samples examined by the division of scientific services. Measure failed.

Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage Died

Requires health_insurance_coverage, without any out-of-pocket expense, for: (1) diagnostic and screening mammograms, breast ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging of breasts for all insureds; (2) breast biopsies for all insureds, and (3) prophylactic mastectomies and breast reconstruction surgery for all insureds who have the harmful variant of breast cancer gene one (BRCA1), breast cancer gene two (BRCA2) or any similar gene variant that materially increases breast cancer risk. 1/27/2021 Referred to Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate.

Connecticut Research, Use of Residual Newborn Screening Specimens Enacted

Requires that all research proposed to be conducted using personally identifiable information in the newborn screening system or requiring contact with affected individuals shall be reviewed and approved in advance by the health commissioner. 6/23/2017 Signed by the Governor. Effective 10/1/2017.

Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage Died

Adds tomosynthesis to health_insurance_coverage requirements if a woman is believed to be at increased risk for breast cancer due to family history or prior personal history of breast cancer, positive genetic testing or other indications as determined by a woman's physician or advanced practice registered nurse. Died.

Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage Died

Requires individual health insurance policies to provide coverage for diagnostic and screening mammograms under certain circumstances. Positive genetic testing for the harmful variant of breast cancer gene one, breast cancer gene two or any other gene variant that materially increases the insured's risk for breast cancer fulfills the criteria for required coverage. Died.

Connecticut Other Topics Enacted

Creates a health data collaborative working group to examine and make recommendations regarding (1) precision medicine and personalized health; (2) economic growth initiatives for businesses working in certain scientific areas; (3) health data access, privacy and security initiatives; and (4) platforms for collecting health data in order to understand the interplay between genetic, behavioral and environmental factors in the incidence of disease or illness. 6/30/2017 Signed by the Governor. Effective immediately.

Connecticut Other Topics Died

Requires a study of the link between the abnormal genes associated with breast and ovarian cancers and the nerve death associated with Alzheimer's disease to improve diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of disease. Died.

Connecticut Privacy Died

Establishes a framework for controlling and processing personal data. Establishes responsibilities and privacy protection standards for data controllers and processors. Grants consumers the right to access, correct, delete and obtain a copy of personal data and to opt out of the processing of personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising. Sensitive data is defined as personal data that includes the processing of genetic or biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person. Died.

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Additional Resources

Cornell Legal Information Institute
This website allows users to search for Federal and state laws and regulations. NHGRI’s Genome Statute and Legislation Database does not include regulations.

LawSeqSM Database
Developed at the University of Minnesota and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, this database allows users to search federal and state statutes, regulations, and reported judicial decisions. The database allows searches by jurisdiction (federal, state, and individuals states), source type, topic, and open text. This resource was developed by a project funded by NHGRI and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on “LawSeqSM: Building a Sound Legal Foundation for Translating Genomics into Clinical Application” (grant #: R01HG008605; Susan M. Wolf,. Ellen Wright Clayton, and Frances Lawrenz, principal investigators). The team keeps this database up to date.

National Society of Genetic Counselors
To find information about state genetic counselor licensing laws, visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ website. NHGRI’s Genome Statute and Legislation Database does not include state laws related to genetic counseling. 

Last updated: February 8, 2024