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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · May 11, 2004 |
Genetic Privacy Bill Passes House and Senate
Senator Olson's SB217 protects DNA information
JUNEAU - The House of Representatives unanimously passed SB 217 Sunday evening, the genetic privacy bill sponsored by Senator Donny Olson (D-Golovin). The Senate had previously voted unanimously for the bill.
"DNA identification is a stepping stone in deciphering the blueprint that makes each of us a unique human," explained Senator Olson. "This bill will protect that sensitive information from misuse by third parties."
SB217 protects individual privacy by requiring the informed written consent from an individual before collecting a DNA sample or analyzing or disclosing DNA analysis results.It allows for exemptions for certain purposes including law enforcement, paternity testing and for emergency medical treatment.
Many other states already have similar laws in place, though there is no national genetic privacy law. This bill brings Alaska to the forefront in public policy concerning genetic privacy.
SB 217 now awaits transmittal to the Governor for his signature.
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 http://www.akdemocrats.org/Documents/051104_olsons_genetic_privacy_bill_passes.pdf · Additional information: SB217 Senator Donny Olson |
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