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Bill seeks expanded access to genetic counseling; fiscal impact requested in committee
Summary
Senate Bill 331, sponsored by Sen. Greg Leding, would expand programs tied to genetic counseling; sponsors cited prior work and said external studies show downstream savings, but the committee requested a fiscal note.
Sen. Greg Leding presented Senate Bill 331 on behalf of Susan G. Komen, describing the proposal as part of a multi-year legislative effort to improve cancer prevention and genetic-counseling access.
Leding recalled legislation enacted in 2019 that created licensure for genetic counselors and said the bill would ensure people with hereditary cancer risk can obtain testing and counseling and, where appropriate, take preventive action. He cited comparative work in other states: Minnesota’s analysis of a similar program showed downstream savings that exceeded the program’s upfront cost; Oklahoma’s fiscal note for a similar program was roughly $150,000 in a slightly larger state population.
Committee members asked whether a fiscal impact statement had been prepared; Leding said no fiscal note had been prepared and the committee requested one before further action. Sponsors said the bills work in conjunction with prior House legislation and are intended to reach more people than a single measure alone.
The committee did not vote on SB 331 during the session and directed staff to develop a fiscal impact estimate and return the bill for further consideration.
