SRC-JLB S.B. 1614 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1614
By: Ellis, Rodney
Jurisprudence
5/30/2003
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, no federal law specifically addresses the disclosure of genetic
information, leaving the issue to the states.  Without adequate
safeguards, genetic information could be misused.  S.B. 1614 provides that
a person who discloses genetic information will be liable for a civil
penalty of not more than $10,000 and authorizes the attorney general to
bring an action in the name of the state to recover the penalty, plus
attorney's fees and court costs. 

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 21.403, Labor Code, by adding Subsection (e) to
provide that a person who discloses genetic information in violation of
this section is liable for a  civil penalty of not more than $10,000.
Authorizes the attorney general to bring an action in the name of the
state to recover the penalty, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court
costs. 
 
SECTION 2.  Amends Section 3, Article 9032, Revised Statutes, by adding
Subsection (e) to provide that a person who discloses genetic information
in violation of this section is liable for a civil penalty of not more
than $10,000.  Authorizes the attorney general to bring an action in the
name of the state to recover the penalty, plus reasonable attorney's fees
and court costs. 
 
SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.