Bill
HR 4492
The Don’t Sell My DNA Act ensures genetic data can't be sold without explicit consent, enhancing privacy for consumers and requiring transparency from testing companies.
The Don’t Sell My DNA Act (HR 4492) aims to establish protections for individuals regarding the sale and use of their genetic information. The bill seeks to ensure that personal DNA data cannot be sold or transferred without explicit consent from the individual, thereby enhancing privacy rights in the context of genetic data.
The bill includes several significant provisions designed to safeguard genetic information:
Consent Requirement: Genetic testing companies must obtain explicit, informed consent from individuals before selling or sharing their DNA data with third parties.
Transparency Obligations: Companies are required to provide clear information about how DNA data will be used, stored, and shared, ensuring that individuals are fully aware of the implications of their consent.
Data Protection Measures: The bill mandates that companies implement robust security measures to protect genetic data from unauthorized access or breaches.
Enforcement Mechanisms: The legislation establishes penalties for companies that violate the consent requirements, including fines and potential legal action from affected individuals.
The Don’t Sell My DNA Act primarily impacts:
Consumers: Individuals who undergo genetic testing will benefit from enhanced privacy protections regarding their DNA data.
Genetic Testing Companies: Businesses that provide genetic testing services will need to adjust their practices to comply with the new consent and transparency requirements.
Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals who utilize genetic data for treatment decisions may need to navigate new regulations regarding data sharing and consent.
Introduced: The bill was introduced in the House on July 17, 2025.
Committee Referral: Following its introduction, HR 4492 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
Cosponsors: The bill has garnered support from several cosponsors, including Glenn Grothman, Zoe Lofgren, Mark Harris, and Ben Cline, indicating a bipartisan interest in the issue.
Related Legislation: HR 4492 has a companion bill, S 1916, which is being considered in the Senate, suggesting a coordinated effort to address genetic data privacy across both chambers of Congress.
The Don’t Sell My DNA Act represents a significant step toward protecting individual privacy rights in the realm of genetic information. By requiring consent and transparency from genetic testing companies, the bill aims to empower consumers and safeguard their personal data from unauthorized use. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for privacy rights and the genetic testing industry will be closely monitored.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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