Bills · S 863
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 863Commerce
Genomic Data Protection Act
INTRO MAR 5· LAST ACTION MAR 5
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses growing concerns about personal data privacy, especially concerning highly sensitive genetic information. In an era where digital data breaches are common and personal information is a valuable commodity, protecting genomic data is crucial. If this bill becomes law, individuals would have more power over their genetic blueprint, preventing it from being held indefinitely or transferred without their knowledge, which could offer peace of mind and prevent potential misuse.
Without this law, companies largely dictate their own terms for data retention and deletion, which can be inconsistent, difficult to navigate, or less protective of consumer privacy. This bill establishes a clear, nationwide standard, making it easier for people to understand and exercise their rights. It aims to prevent scenarios where an individual's genetic information could be used in ways they didn't intend or agree to, especially as companies are bought and sold, potentially exposing their data to new entities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies must provide a simple way for consumers to access their genomic data, delete their accounts and associated data, and request the destruction of their biological samples.
This provision gives individuals direct control over their sensitive genetic information and physical samples held by companies.
PROVISION 02
Companies must notify consumers about their data rights and disclose if deidentified genomic data may be shared for medical or scientific research.
This ensures consumers are aware of how their data is used and their options for managing it.
PROVISION 03
If a genomic testing company is purchased by another entity, it must notify consumers at least 30 days in advance, identifying the buyer and explaining how to exercise data rights under the new ownership.
This protects consumer data during company acquisitions, preventing data from being transferred without consumer knowledge or consent.
PROVISION 04
Companies must fulfill consumer requests to delete data or destroy samples and notify the consumer of completion within 30 days of the request.
This sets a clear timeline for companies to act on consumer privacy requests, ensuring timely action.
PROVISION 05
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is given enforcement authority to treat violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and may issue rules to carry out the Act.
This provides a strong regulatory body to ensure companies comply with these new privacy standards.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Louisiana
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
118
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 5
Introduced in Senate
MAR 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 863
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 5, 2025
Last actionMar 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025
Senate BillS 863Commerce
Genomic Data Protection Act
INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
