WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 3179

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Melissa Murray and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits using genetic information to deny, rate, or require tests for life, disability, or long-term care insurance unless there is a clinical diagnosis or disease manifestation.

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3179

Summary of Bill: SB 3179 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to prohibit the use of genetic information in life, disability (including disability income protection), and long-term care insurance decisions. It seeks to reduce barriers to genetic testing by ensuring individuals are not denied coverage, charged higher premiums, or subjected to preexisting condition exclusions based on genetic information, absent a clinical diagnosis or manifestation of disease.

Key background points cited in the bill:
- Advances in genetic science and testing can improve health outcomes and potentially reduce long-term costs.
- Access to insurance can be a barrier to pursuing genetic testing.
- The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits genetic information-based discrimination in health insurance; this bill extends similar protections to life, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Effective Date

  • Takes effect upon passage.

Key Provisions

1) Prohibition on Use of Genetic Information (Life, Disability, and Long-Term Care Insurance)

  • Applies to: life insurers, disability insurers, and long-term care insurers.
  • In the absence of a clinical diagnosis or manifestation of a disease:
    • Shall not cancel, limit, or deny coverage based on genetic information.
    • Shall not establish premium differentials (i.e., rate higher or lower) based on genetic information.
    • Shall not solicit, require, or consider genetic information or test results in any manner related to life, disability, or long-term care insurance.
  • Definitions:
    • “Genetic information” aligned with the existing Rhode Island statutory definition (same as § 27-18-52.1(c)).
    • “Genetic test” aligned with the existing Rhode Island statutory definition (same as § 27-18-52(c)).
    • “Manifestation of a disease” means outward signs, symptoms, or physical evidence that a disease is present.
  • Exceptions/Permitted activities:
    • Insurers may review an applicant’s medical records as part of an application.
    • Applicants may still be asked about family health history.
    • Insurers may consider clinical diagnoses or manifestations of disease that are included in medical records for insurance purposes.

2) Application to Long-Term Care and Disability Income Protection Insurance

  • Adds similar protections to:
    • Life insurance
    • Disability income protection coverage
    • Long-term care insurance
  • The same prohibitions and clarifications as outlined above apply when there is no clinical diagnosis or disease manifestation.

3) Legislative Reorganization

  • Creates an amended treatment for Long-Term Care Insurance in the Rhode Island General Laws by renaming the relevant chapter sections (TITLE adjustments and section numbering adjustments are shown to reflect the updated scope).

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals seeking or currently holding:
    • Life insurance
    • Disability insurance (including disability income protection coverage)
    • Long-term care insurance
  • Insurers offering these products in Rhode Island.
  • Medical and genetic information handling within the underwriting process (to the extent permitted by the bill).

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 3, 2026
  • Referred to: Senate Commerce
  • Committee action history:
    • April 14, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study
    • Prior scheduling/actions noted (hearing/consideration set for April 14, 2026)
  • The act would take effect on passage (immediate effect upon enactment).

Practical Impact

  • Individuals would have stronger protections against genetic-based discrimination in life, disability, and long-term care insurance in Rhode Island.
  • Insurers could not deny coverage or apply higher premiums solely due to genetic information without a clinical diagnosis or disease manifestation.
  • The bill preserves insurers’ ability to review medical records and obtain family health history, and to consider actual clinical diagnoses or disease manifestations present in records.
  • By reducing disincentives for genetic testing, the measure aims to promote proactive health management and informed decision-making without fear of insurance consequences.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a plain-language FAQ based on this bill.

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

Sign in to ask a question.