Genomic Data Protection Act
Latest action (5 Mar 2025): Introduced
What this bill does
The Genomic Data Protection Act would require direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies—such as firms offering at-home DNA testing kits—to give consumers a simple way to access their genomic data, delete their account and associated data, and request destruction of their biological sample. Companies would have to clearly disclose these rights and note that deidentified genomic data may be shared for medical or scientific research. Requests to delete data or destroy samples would generally need to be fulfilled, and consumers notified, within 30 days, though companies could refuse if deletion would violate a court order or another legal requirement. If a company is bought or acquired, it must notify consumers at least 30 days beforehand, and the new owner must honor any pending deletion requests.
The bill primarily affects consumers who submit biological samples to direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies and the companies themselves, which would face new disclosure and data-handling obligations. Health care professionals performing genomic analysis for diagnosis or treatment are excluded from the definition of covered companies. Violations would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission as unfair or deceptive practices, and the FTC could issue implementing rules within a year of enactment. The bill would not preempt state laws except where they directly conflict with its provisions.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 5, 2025, by Senator Bill Cassidy with Senator Peters, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action or amendment would be needed before it could advance.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on March 5, 2025. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 863 do?
- The Genomic Data Protection Act would require direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies—such as firms offering at-home DNA testing kits—to give consumers a simple way to access their genomic data, delete their account and associated data, and request destruction of their biological sample. Companies would have to clearly disclose these rights and note that deidentified genomic data may be shared for medical or scientific research. Requests to delete data or destroy samples would generally need to be fulfilled, and consumers notified, within 30 days, though companies could refuse if deletion would violate a court order or another legal requirement. If a company is bought or acquired, it must notify consumers at least 30 days beforehand, and the new owner must honor any pending deletion requests. The bill primarily affects consumers who submit biological samples to direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies and the companies themselves, which would face new disclosure and data-handling obligations. Health care professionals performing genomic analysis for diagnosis or treatment are excluded from the definition of covered companies. Violations would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission as unfair or deceptive practices, and the FTC could issue implementing rules within a year of enactment. The bill would not preempt state laws except where they directly conflict with its provisions. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 5, 2025, by Senator Bill Cassidy with Senator Peters, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action or amendment would be needed before it could advance.
- Has S. 863 become law?
- Not yet. As of 5 Mar 2025, S. 863 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 863?
- S. 863 was sponsored by Sen. Bill Cassidy [R-LA] (Republican-LA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 863?
- Introduced (5 Mar 2025).
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