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Sponsor pulls bill to restrict purchase of foreign genomic sequencers after committee questions; amendment expected
Summary
A bill intended to bar procurement of certain foreign genomic sequencing platforms drew testimony about national security risks related to foreign actors; sponsor and staff said an amendment is forthcoming and the measure was pulled for revision.
Senate Bill 311, which would prohibit procurement of genetic sequencers and related software from specified foreign firms, drew testimony focused on national security and commercial‑intellectual property risks associated with certain Chinese companies.
A witness argued that foreign companies with state ties have previously participated in genomic surveillance abroad and that unrestricted purchase of sequencing platforms and cloud services could expose U.S. genomic data. He urged the state to act preemptively rather than wait for federal action.
Committee members sought specifics about the bill’s scope, the number of sequencers currently in state labs and hospitals, and the fiscal implications of removing and replacing equipment. Several senators asked whether the measure would require disposal and replacement of existing machines and how reimbursement for replacement would be handled. The sponsor and witnesses said an amendment was being prepared to address procurement going forward rather than an immediate replacement mandate; the suite of technical amendments had not yet been filed during the hearing.
The sponsor asked to withdraw the bill to allow time to finalize language and amendments; the chair agreed. DHS and UAMS staff had been consulted on earlier drafts and will continue working with the sponsor to clarify exemptions for clinical care and to refine enforcement language.
No committee vote was taken; the bill was withdrawn to permit revision.
