Indy Standard

The Indiana General Assembly has approved legislation aimed at bolstering privacy protections for users of genetic testing services. The bill, authored by State Representative Kyle Pierce of Anderson, comes in response to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of 23andMe and its potential sale of genetic data assets.

Pierce's bill, known as House Enrolled Act 1521, will require companies like 23andMe and LifeDNA to obtain customer consent before using or sharing genetic data. The legislation also prohibits sharing identifiable information with insurers and employers.

"I am pleased to see this legislation advance so we can provide critical protections for consumers in an age where personal data is increasingly vulnerable," Pierce stated. He emphasized that safeguarding Hoosiers' genetic privacy is crucial and that the bill aims to ensure consumer trust in genetic testing services.

The act mandates that companies must inform consumers about how their biological material is collected, used, and protected. Furthermore, it restricts sharing genetic data with insurers, data brokers, or employers in ways that could impact consumers negatively, such as by affecting insurance rates or coverage.

House Enrolled Act 1521 received bipartisan support and now awaits the governor's consideration for enactment. Additional information is available on the official Indiana General Assembly website.