SRC-MKV S.B. 13 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 13
77R1009 PB-DBy: Nelson
Business and Commerce
2/19/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

As more information becomes available through genetic testing, protection
of that information should increase accordingly.   S.B. 13 expands the
definitions of genetic characteristic and genetic test to more clearly
prevent discrimination in health insurance based on a person's genetic
predisposition if that person has not been diagnosed with a disease or
disorder. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 21.401, Labor Code, to define "genetic
characteristic."  Redefines "genetic information" and "genetic test."
Redesignates Subdivisions (3)-(4) to (4)-(5). 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 1, Article 21.73, Insurance Code, to define
"genetic characteristic." Redefines "genetic information" and "genetic
test."   Redesignates Subdivisions (3)-(5) to (4)-(6). 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 1, Article 9031, V.T.C.S., as added by Chapter
1215, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, to define
"genetic characteristic."  Redefines "genetic information" and "genetic
test."  Redesignates Subsections (3)-(8) to (4)-(9). 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.

SECTION 5.  Makes application of Section 21.401, Labor Code, as amended by
this Act, prospective. 

SECTION 6.  Makes application of Section 1, Article 21.73, Insurance Code,
as amended by this Act, prospective to January 1, 2002. 

SECTION 7.  Makes application of Section 1, Article 9031, V.T.C.S., as
added by Chapter 1215, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997,
as amended by this Act, prospective.