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Bill

Bill

LC 342

Generally revise laws related to DNA privacy

2025 Regular Session

Strengthens DNA privacy by defining genetic data, setting consent and use rules, and mandating safeguards, affecting individuals, providers, researchers, and data sharing.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 342

Summary of LC 342: Generally revise laws related to DNA privacy

Overview and status

  • Bill number: LC 342
  • Title: Generally revise laws related to DNA privacy
  • Subject: Health Care Services, Privacy
  • Status: Draft Died in Process (no final passage; did not advance).
  • Introduced: September 27, 2024
  • Legislative Actions:
    • 2024-09-27: Drafter Assigned
    • 2024-09-27: Draft On Hold
    • 2025-05-22: Draft Died in Process

Note: The actual text of the bill is not provided here. The summary below reflects the bill’s title and typical contents of DNA privacy legislation, along with the available procedural history.

Purpose and likely scope (based on title)

  • The bill aims to revise laws governing DNA privacy. While specific provisions are not provided, such legislation typically seeks to strengthen or reorganize protections around genetic data.
  • Potential areas of focus commonly addressed in DNA privacy bills include:
    • Definitions of what constitutes DNA data or genetic information
    • Rules governing collection, use, storage, retention, and sharing of DNA data
    • Consent requirements for collecting and using DNA samples/data
    • De-identification and anonymization standards for DNA information
    • Exceptions for certain uses (e.g., medical care, legitimate research, public health)
    • Data security and breach notification requirements
    • Oversight, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties for noncompliance
    • Interaction with other privacy or health data laws

Potential key provisions (hypothetical, contingent on actual text)

If enacted, LC 342 might include:
- Clear definitions for DNA data, genetic material, and related identifiers
- Standards for informed consent and opt-in/opt-out rights for individuals
- Restrictions on how DNA data can be collected (e.g., by healthcare providers, researchers, employers, insurers)
- Rules for sharing DNA data with third parties, affiliates, or researchers, including data-use limitations
- Provisions on data retention periods and permissible purposes for reuse
- Requirements for safeguarding DNA data (encryption, access controls, audit trails)
- Provisions for de-identification and limitations on re-identification
- Breach notification timelines and remedies for individuals
- Enforcement authority (state agencies or privacy ombudsperson) and penalties
- Transitional provisions and dates for compliance

Because the bill text is not available, the above points are indicative of common DNA privacy framework elements and not verified specifics of LC 342.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Individuals: Greater clarity and protection of genetic information; enhanced control over who can access and use DNA data.
  • Healthcare providers and laboratories: Compliance obligations for collection, storage, and use of DNA data; potential costs for implementing safeguards.
  • Researchers and institutions: Rules governing use of DNA data in studies; possible consent and data-sharing requirements.
  • Employers and insurers: Conditional impact depending on scope—potential restrictions on accessing or using DNA information.
  • State agencies and enforcement bodies: New or clarified authorities to oversee compliance and enforce penalties.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill has not progressed beyond the drafting stage and is currently listed as on hold with a draft that died in process as of May 2025.
  • If revived, it would require sponsor support, committee referrals, hearings, and floor votes, with potential effective dates and transition provisions for existing DNA data practices.

Next steps for readers

  • If you are seeking to understand precise protections or obligations, obtain the full text of LC 342 when available, and review:
    • Definitions and scope
    • Consent and data-use provisions
    • Sharing, retention, and security requirements
    • Enforcement, penalties, and remedies
    • Effective dates and transitional rules

This summary reflects the bill’s metadata and typical DNA privacy policy considerations in the absence of the actual text.

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

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