Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-03-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-03-04 Senate Journal Page 2404 SB 217 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 217 "An Act relating to genetic privacy; and amending Rule 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 508, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 217(JUD) "An Act relating to genetic privacy." and further recommends the adoption of the following Judiciary Letter of Intent: Letter of Intent The Legislature finds that recent scientific breakthroughs in decoding DNA samples have the potential of disclosing the probable medical future of individual families' bloodlines when samples are collected, retained and disclosed without consent. The Legislature has determined that such disclosure may lead to harm of an individual and their blood relatives, including discrimination in areas such as employment, education, healthcare and insurance. Concern exists that the current laws regarding collection, retention or disclosure of DNA information are inadequate and steps should be taken to protect genetic privacy, property interests and information derived from samples. As a result, SB 217 has been passed to define the rights of individuals whose genetic information is collected and their property rights in that information. Further, the law defines the circumstances under which an 2004-03-04 Senate Journal Page 2405 individual may be subject to genetic testing and which information may be collected, analyzed, retained or disclosed. The law is not intended to impact state uses of DNA information specifically authorized by other state statutes. Signing no recommendation: Senator Seekins, Chair; Senators Therriault, Ogan. Signing do pass: Senator French. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Alaska Court System The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.