INDIANAPOLIS — House Bill (HB) 1521, the sister bill of Sen. Andrea Hunley’s (D-Indianapolis) genetic data protection bill, passed out of the Senate on third reading.

The bill was amended in the Senate Commerce and Technology Committee to mirror Hunley’s Senate Bill (SB) 33, which passed out of the Senate with resounding bipartisan support.

“When we find a hole in our consumer protections, it is incumbent upon us to act,” said Hunley. “With this bill, Hoosiers can rest assured that they control their DNA data, and their most private information is being protected.”

This legislation ensures the following:

  • Informed Consent: Require informed consent for collecting, storing and sharing genetic information.
  • Access and Control: Ensures individuals have the right to access their genetic information and have the ability to control who can access it.
  • Research Protections: Balance individual privacy with scientific research.
  • Non-Discrimination: Prohibit discrimination based on genetic information.

“I am grateful to have worked with Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) over the last two years to address an emerging technology and better protect the privacy of Hoosiers,” said Hunley. “The essential protections are long overdue, and I look forward to continued collaboration as we work to get this bill to the Governor’s desk.”

HB 1521 will head back to the House of Representatives, where they will concur or dissent with the Senate changes.