HB 2772 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Finds and declares the following: (1) Every individual possesses a fundamental right of privacy with respect to his or her genetic information;

(2) Genetic information is uniquely private and personal information that should not be collected, retained, or disclosed without the individual's authorization;

(3) The improper collection, retention, or disclosure of genetic information can lead to significant harm to the individual, including stigmatization and discrimination in areas such as employment and insurance;

(4) Current legal protections may be inadequate to protect genetic privacy.

Declares that the purpose of this act is to prohibit the disclosure of genetic information without the consent of the individual to whom the information pertains; prohibit discrimination based on genetic information in employment decisions; and prohibit the use of genetic information to discriminate in the life insurance contract.

Declares that it is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or the state of Washington, its political subdivisions, or municipal corporations to require, directly or indirectly, that any employee or prospective employee submit genetic information or submit to screening for genetic information as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Provides that, on the effective date of this act, if an employer possesses genetic information about an employee, it is unlawful for the employer to disclose the genetic information without the employee's informed consent.

Declares that it is unlawful to offer a person an inducement to disclose genetic information; to question a person about his or her genetic information; to solicit submission to, require, or administer a genetic test to any person as a condition of employment; or to collect, solicit, or require disclosure of genetic information from any person as a condition of employment.