California lawmakers are weighing a bill targeted at defending their state's citizens from clandestine genetic testing but scientists are voicing their growing concerns that, if passed, such a law would have a pricey and damaging effect on research.
The bill, dubbed the Genetic Information Privacy Act, would necessitate an individual's written consent for the collection, analysis, retention, and sharing of his or her genetic information—including DNA, genetic test results as well as family disease history.
California state Senator Alex Padilla stated that it's becoming easier and quicker and cheaper for people to obtain their genetic profile or genetic information. It's such sensitive and personal information that it ought to be protected.
Under the recently proposed bill, a person's genetic information may only be accessed by individuals exclusively named on a consent form, and only for purposes written on the form. Genetic information along with the original samples must be destroyed once their specific purposes are fulfilled.
