Bill · S. 863· Senate(119-S-863)
Genomic Data Protection Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2025
- Last activity
- 3/5/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Cassidy
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Genomic Data Protection Act aims to give consumers control over their genetic information. It requires direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies to provide ways for people to access, delete, or destroy their data and biological samples. Companies must also provide clear notices regarding these rights and how deidentified data might be shared for research. If a company is bought by another entity, consumers must be notified of their rights under the new ownership. The bill establishes specific timelines for processing deletion or destruction requests. Finally, it grants the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+9
The bill grants consumers significant rights to access, delete their genomic data, and destroy their biological samples.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill empowers the FTC to enforce new rights regarding the access, deletion, and destruction of sensitive genomic data.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires companies to provide clear and conspicuous notices regarding consumer rights and data usage.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Control Over Personal Information: Consumers gain the right to access their genomic data, delete their accounts (including associated data), and request the destruction of their biological samples (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
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Transparency in Data Usage: Companies are required to provide clear and conspicuous notices that explain consumer rights and disclose how deformed genomic data may be shared for medical or scientific research (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Protection During Corporate Changes: If a testing company is purchased or acquired, the consumer must receive a notice at least 30 days before the deal is complete, ensuring they know how to exercise their rights under the new owners (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
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Timely Fulfillment of Requests: The law mandates that companies must fulfill requests to delete data or destroy biological samples within 30 days and notify the consumer once the task is done (Section 2(a)(3)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limitations on Deletion Rights: A company can deny a request to delete data or destroy a sample if they determine it is subject to a warrant, a subpoena, a court order, or other legal or regulatory requirements (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Data Sharing for Research: The bill notes that deidentified genomic data may be shared or disclosed to conduct medical or scientific research (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+9Improves Government Transparency+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For High Income Households+2Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- 3/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan