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HB 7639

AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GENETIC INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill establishing consumer privacy protections for genetic data collection, use, and sharing by commercial entities requiring informed consent and data security standards.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7639

Legislative bill overview

HB 7639 proposes Rhode Island's Genetic Information Privacy Act, establishing regulatory protections for how genetic data is collected, stored, used, and shared by commercial entities. The bill creates requirements around consumer consent, data security, and limitations on third-party access to genetic information.

Why is this important

As direct-to-consumer genetic testing and genomic research expand commercially, individuals' genetic data—which reveals health risks, ancestry, and biological traits—faces privacy risks without statutory protection. This bill addresses a gap in state law by defining who can access genetic information and under what circumstances, affecting millions of consumers who have used ancestry or health genetic tests.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and enforceability: Defining what constitutes "genetic information" and whether the law applies to all companies collecting DNA or only certain types of genetic testing services
  • Commercial impact vs. consumer protection: Balancing restrictions on genetic data use against biotech industry arguments that data sharing enables medical research breakthroughs
  • Consent mechanisms: Determining what constitutes valid consent for genetic data collection and secondary uses, and whether one-time consent or ongoing permission is required
  • Enforcement and penalties: Questions about which agency enforces violations and what financial or civil penalties incentivize compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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