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Bill

Bill

SB 318

RELATING TO GENETIC INFORMATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 6 co-sponsors

Hawaii SB 318 regulates genetic information use and privacy protections, though specific provisions remain unclear pending committee review and passage.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#dcca #geneticinformation #genetictesting #privacy #rules
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Bill Summary · SB 318

Legislative bill overview

SB 318 addresses the regulation and use of genetic information in Hawaii, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative record. Based on the bill's title and committee referrals (Consumer Protection and Commerce, Judiciary and Civil Law), it likely involves restrictions on genetic testing, privacy protections, or limitations on how genetic data can be used by employers, insurers, or other entities.

Why is this important

Genetic information is increasingly accessible and valuable, creating risks that individuals could face discrimination in employment, insurance, or other domains based on genetic predispositions. Clear statutory protections are critical because genetic privacy exists at the intersection of personal health autonomy, corporate data practices, and equal opportunity—areas where individual interests often conflict with institutional incentives.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of coverage: Whether protections apply only to health insurers and employers (federally protected under GINA) or expand to life insurance, long-term care insurance, and other sectors where federal law has gaps
  • Genetic testing consent and commercialization: Whether the bill restricts direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies' data practices, ownership of genetic databases, or secondary use of genetic samples
  • Enforcement and remedies: Whether the bill creates private rights of action for violations or relies solely on state enforcement, and what penalties apply to violators

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

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