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Senate committee advances bill limiting use and storage of foreign-origin genetic sequencing tech
Summary
The Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee gave Senate Bill 311 a favorable recommendation as amended, advancing language that restricts genetic sequencers and related software originating in adversarial countries and limits storage of genetic data in those jurisdictions.
The Arkansas Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted to give Senate Bill 311 a "do pass as amended" recommendation after brief questions and discussion.
Sponsor testimony described the measure as a targeted restriction on genetic sequencers and laboratory software that originate in adversarial countries and on storing genetic data in those countries. The sponsor said the bill grew from concerns about forced organ harvesting and unauthorized foreign access to genetic information and that an earlier amendment addressed hospital concerns.
The sponsor referenced prior committee consideration and said the committee previously adopted an amendment on April 2, 2025, that resolved issues raised by UAMS and the Department of Human Services. Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether the measure requires removal of existing equipment; the sponsor said it would apply prospectively and would not force removal of existing instruments.
After discussion the committee chair asked for a motion; a motion to pass as amended was seconded and the committee recorded the bill as "do pass as amended."
