Transcript Highlights:

• employers from discriminating against an individual based on their genetic information.
• Once I knew my genetic status, that information could potentially be used against me.
• Once I knew my genetic status, that information could potentially be used against me.
• If we allow genetic information to be used to deny If we allow genetic information to be used to deny
• denied a policy because of this genetic information that they're providing.

Bills: H5112, S2921, H4914

Keywords: genetic discrimination, genetic testing, genetic information, DNA, hereditary risk, insurance underwriting, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, medical privacy, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, insurer regulation, Commissioner of Insurance, chapter 176D, underwriting, hereditary disease, genomics, travel insurance

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing because the State House was closed due to a state of emergency and the prior day’s blizzard. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy explained the decision to proceed virtually so the committee could meet bill-reporting deadlines, and they thanked first responders, DPW crews, plow operators, health care workers, and legislative staff for their efforts during the storm. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112, an act prohibiting genetic discrimination. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support, describing how federal law protects against genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment but not in life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her personal experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier who was advised to secure life insurance before genetic testing, and she said the bill would let people seek testing and preventive care without fear of financial punishment. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that genetic testing helps people make informed medical decisions, participate in research, and pursue early intervention, while current insurance practices can discourage testing and lead to unfair underwriting based on genetic risk rather than actual illness. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers routinely ask about genetic testing and whether such information is already used in underwriting. The witness from the ALS Association said insurers commonly request this information and that the bill would bar its use in underwriting decisions. Representative Kerans asked Biggs about the cost of her screenings, and Biggs said some expensive tests still generate significant out-of-pocket bills. No votes were taken. In addition to H.5112, the chairs noted two other bills on the docket: H.4914, an act relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, and S.2921, an act relative to travel insurance. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs thanked staff for making the hearing possible on short notice and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• we need from the distributor to provide accurate information.
• And again, this is just requiring written informed consent.
• Informed consent and vaccine choice.
• I'm not saying non-informed consent.
• information.

Bills: SB315, SB584, SB1228, SB1484, SB1860, SB1802

Keywords: DNA privacy, genetic privacy, genetic testing, genetic material, DNA ownership, property right in DNA, genetic consent, biological sample, genomics, genetic data, HIPAA, health information privacy, health care provider, research ethics, human subjects research, law enforcement DNA, forensic DNA, paternity testing, medical examiner, genetic discrimination

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> disclosure, disclosure of information disclosure, disclosure of information like<00:23:19.039><c
• Chair, I think if the department could pull those registration licenses, we could get that information
• </c> licenses, we could get that information licenses, we could get that information to<00:34:43.520>
• </c> the kiosk, they're providing information the kiosk, they're providing information on<01:02:56.720
• </c> to unclear and inconsistent information to unclear and inconsistent information from<01:32:23.600

Bills: HF3642, HF2700, HF3615

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy

Summary: The Commerce Finance and Policy Committee met on House File 3642, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The bill was laid over, and the committee adopted a DE1 author’s amendment. Chair Kaggel and Representative Perryman described the measure as a response to widespread scams using crypto kiosks, especially against older adults and other vulnerable people, and said they would continue working with the Department of Commerce and other stakeholders. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant and a Woodbury detective described cases in which victims lost large sums, said the current safeguards and refund rules are being bypassed, and argued that the kiosks are difficult to investigate because funds move quickly and often overseas. An AARP Minnesota volunteer also supported the bill, saying kiosks are a preferred tool for scammers and that existing protections have not kept pace with the problem. The Department of Commerce said it strongly supports the bill and reported that it has received 120 complaints over three years involving nearly $1 million in reported losses, with 2025 the worst year so far. The main opposition came from CoinFlip’s general counsel, who argued that the problem is fraud generally, not kiosks themselves, and said Minnesota already has consumer protections, including refunds for eligible victims. He urged stronger regulation rather than a ban, citing blockchain analytics, hold periods, and 24-hour customer service as alternatives. Committee members then asked questions about how long kiosks have operated in Minnesota, how many there are, who owns them, and the scale of losses; Commerce said there are hundreds statewide, operated by a variety of companies, and that reported losses are likely undercounts.

Transcript Highlights:

• material and their genetic information.
• their genetic information. informed consent for treatments and certain kind of research, outside of those
• , transfer, and sell genetic information long after a sample has been returned or destroyed.
• transferring, or sharing both DNA samples and genetic information.
• Non-medical genetic information includes paternity tests and other measures of genetic relatedness. genealogy

Bills: SB 53, SB53, SB125, SB315, SB379, SB457, SB541, SB599, SB896, SB921, SB963, SB1038, SB1084, SB1330, SB1461

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery

Transcript Highlights:

• It's your genetic material. It's your private information, which should not be taken.
• your genetic information without your permission?
• Anyone that steals that—if I was to steal your medical information, that's a crime. So, genetic...
• Information, that's a crime. So, genetic information is as sensitive as a social security number.
• Your genetic material or genetic data, it's not protected by HIPAA.

Bills: HB537, HB474, HB527, HB449, HB380, HB449, HB380

Keywords: preliminary hearing, criminal procedure, Aniah's Law, pretrial detention, defendant rights, property rights, law enforcement, removal procedures, unauthorized occupancy, trespassing, liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, DNA, genetic testing, privacy, consent, criminal penalties

Bills: HB761, HB1199

Keywords: rare cancers, advisory board, medical recommendations, oncologists, Louisiana cancer treatment, genetic testing, SCN2A, medical necessity, health insurance, rehabilitative services, neurological disorders

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 27, 2006, with five members present. The committee announced it had two bills on the agenda and began with House Bill 761, carried by Senator Wheat, which concerns the advisory board created to recommend new treatments for rare conditions. The opening remarks indicate the bill relates to the board’s role and recommendations, though the transcript cuts off before the full explanation or testimony. No testimony, debate, or vote on HB 761 is included in the excerpt provided. The record ends shortly after the bill is introduced, so no further committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It specifies that graduate-level genetic counseling programs may be accredited, or will be accredited
• , by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, and that is the bill.
• by the accreditation counsel for genetic counseling, and that is the bill.
• Let's stand in informal recess for five minutes while we get this problem solved.
• Let's stand in informal recess for five minutes while we get this problem solved.

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• Council for Genetic Counseling.
• We finally are realizing the importance of genetic counseling.
• And I think I actually had a genetic counselor down here also with my second child.
• Members, we are back out of informal recess.

Bills: S1376, S1570

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1376, which would create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors by supporting students in genetics programs at state universities. Senator Burgess described genetic counselors’ roles in oncology, prenatal care, rare diseases, and other clinical settings, and noted Florida’s limited number of licensed counselors. The committee adopted an amendment requiring graduate programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members spoke in support, and CS/SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up SB 1570, which would revive Project Leo, a prior Florida program that helped locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering or elopement. President Gates explained that the bill would allow participating CARD centers to work with local sheriff’s offices to provide voluntary tracking devices and included $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell supported the measure, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism, and the importance of preventing drownings and other tragedies. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, no senators requested to be recorded on the bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Bills: HB761, HB1199

Keywords: rare cancers, advisory board, medical recommendations, oncologists, Louisiana cancer treatment, genetic testing, SCN2A, medical necessity, health insurance, rehabilitative services, neurological disorders, 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once we have that, we can then inform the breeder, the Once we have that, we can then inform the breeder
• They're not genetically modified.
• They're not genetically modified.
• the genetic merit of these elk.
• For me, the science is genetics and genetic markers.

Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Texas A&M professor Chris Seaberry on chronic wasting disease (CWD) genetics in deer and elk. He argued that susceptibility to CWD is polygenic, that genomic prediction can identify more resistant animals with high accuracy, and that selecting for resistant breeding values plus the PRNP codon 96 S allele could reduce disease prevalence. He said his work has been used in USDA/APHIS programs, that some facilities have been cleaned up using these methods, and that concerns about inbreeding, increased shedding, or harm to hunting quality are overstated. Committee members questioned the science, the risk of releasing potentially infected animals, the financial incentives for breeders, and whether wildlife agencies were resisting the program for philosophical or institutional reasons. The witness and senators also discussed the Department of Wildlife’s role, the Attorney General’s opinion, and whether the state should act more quickly or wait for more data. The committee then took up House Bill 3270, which would shift rulemaking authority for the deer-release/CWD program from the Department of Wildlife to the Department of Agriculture after members said Wildlife had failed to promulgate rules for two years. The Department of Wildlife testified that it believed it had complied by collecting native deer samples and that it had been operating under a different understanding until the Attorney General’s March 5 opinion clarified the original law. After debate over agency inaction, the adequacy of the science, and the impact on deer breeders and hunters, the committee voted 3-9 against the bill, and HB 3270 failed. The committee also confirmed Jessica Wilcox to an executive nomination by a 12-0 vote. It then advanced House Bill 3145, which clarifies tagging rules for commercial hunts by making $10 tags apply only to male native wildlife and $0 tags apply to female, feral swine, and exotic wildlife; the bill passed 12-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3056, which would allow unpasteurized cow, goat, and sheep milk to be sold at feed stores and farmers markets with labeling; members questioned gallon limits and whether the bill included adequate warning language, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Explained by genetic differences, it's a fact, which means that we can predict the genetic merit of these
• And they look at one genetic feature. That genetic feature is the equivalent of codon 96 in elk.
• It looks like a metabolic syndrome to me when I look at the genetics and compare the genetic response
• Kevines, and it's all on genetics.
• For me, the science is genetics and genetic markers and If we can find a marker in a deer that is not

Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, what we do is we review the harvest information as an indicator of population.

Bills: HB4128, HB3659, HB3270, HB3145

Keywords: wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears, archery season, senior citizens, licensing fees, waterfowl, nonresidents, public lands, farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what they're trying to do is gather this information...
• Without the ability to subpoena witnesses and information, this case cannot be fully investigated.
• Well, not precisely... ...information.
• is relevant and what information isn't.
• Any records, books, or other information of any kind... books or other information of any kind relating

Bills: SB324, HB395, HB222, HB310, HB285, HB144, HB251, HB380

Keywords: Morgan County, judge of probate, legal qualifications, equity jurisdiction, constitutional amendment, campaign finance, electronic notifications, civil penalties, Fair Campaign Practices Act, Secretary of State, sex offenders, treatment programs, electronic media, post office box restrictions, Class C felony, parole, probation, human cloning, criminal penalties, embryo

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not all the information they'll get at adoption, so that information would potentially be in the
• It's not all the information they'll get at adoption, so that information would potentially be in the
• So they, they would potentially get that information.
• So any information is not redacted.
• So any information is in the file.

Bills: SB500, SB1522, SB1137, SB1266

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The Committee on Human Services met with a quorum and first voted out Senate Bill 1589, relating to contract requirements between a single-source continuum contractor and DFPS. The motion to report the bill favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed prevailed on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 500, which would set deadlines for providing foster care adoption records, including health, social, educational, and genetic history reports, to speed adoptions. The bill’s author and witnesses from Addie’s Hope Social Services supported it, saying delays in redacted files can take months, slow permanency for children, and increase costs to the state. Members asked about redactions and sibling/family information, and witnesses explained the bill would mainly speed the preliminary file used to decide whether to proceed with placement. SB 500 was left pending. Members also heard Senate Bill 1266, which would require regular reevaluation of the Medicaid provider support team and add written notice of provider disenrollment at least 30 days in advance. There were no witnesses, no questions, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1522, concerning continuing care retirement communities, was then laid out and supported by LeadingAge Texas and counsel, who said it updates outdated definitions, clarifies licensing and disclosure rules, and strengthens consumer protections for seniors. It was also left pending. After a brief recess, the committee heard Senate Bill 1137, which would prohibit group home consultants from referring people to unlicensed or unpermitted group homes except in limited circumstances, require disclosure of complaints, and create a Class B misdemeanor for violations. Members discussed whether consultants are regulated and noted concerns about unlicensed referral practices. The bill was left pending, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Bills: SB19

Keywords: SB19, prostate cancer, prostate cancer screening, PSA test, digital rectal exam, preventive screening, health insurance mandate, no cost sharing, copay, deductible, coinsurance, high-risk men, African American men, men over 50, men over 40, family history, genetic marker, health benefit plan, insurer coverage, Alabama insurance code

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no way for that genetic information to, I guess, like be in a criminal database to link up with
• So what is currently done with that DNA information?
• That has essentially some DNA information for the father and some or potential father and some DNA information
• My information is here, your information is there. We all try to figure it out.
• Do they is there information informing a person.

Bills: HB 2646, HB 3941, HB 5153, HB 5155, HB 5394, HB 1106, HB 426, HB 4529, HB 3984, HB 4273, HB 1097, HB 3940, HB 1941, HB 4377, HB 3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard previously relating to the provision of adoption cost and information by a licensed child placing
• concludes that, in fact, there was an overpayment, they would send communication to the provider informing
• Informal support can happen naturally.
• Outside law enforcement has that information, not just the TEA, and that's critical.
• When a child comes into care, the department tries to ensure that the child. including informing kin

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• information is completely deleted from the third-party database.
• There's no way for that genetic information to be retained, I guess.
• So, what is currently done with that DNA information?
• We do need that piece of information, the paternity piece.
• But you don't keep. on file the genetic makeup of each child?

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to protect the confidential information.
• It's not all the information they'll get at adoption.
• So they would potentially get more information later on.
• As Holly Ann spoke about, this is the initial information that adoptive families need to make informed
• So the information would still be there.

Bills: SB500, SB1522, SB1137, SB1266

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have that kind of information, but I guess what I was just still...
• Do we know, because a few other states have done it, do you have that information? I do.
• to make a difference. ...informed decisions.
• Parents to make informed decisions about their children's access to health coverage.
• This is often due to parents lacking necessary information. ...information or awareness, leaving them

Bills: HB321, HB 1027, HB 1295, HB1782, HB2295, HCR29, HCR56

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility