Bill would require genetic sequencing data and some equipment stay in U.S.; DOJ backs state tool to enforce limits

Sen. Daniel Zolnicov introduced Senate Bill 410, the Genomic Security Act, saying the bill would bar certain foreign‑sourced genomic technologies and require that genetic sequencing data maintained from Montana be stored in the United States unless an individual provides written approval for cross‑border access.

"The bill is the Genomic Security Act saying that any genomic, sorry, genetic sequencing information has to be maintained in this country," Zolnicov said at the start of the hearing. He told the committee the measure responds to federal and international concerns about foreign access to sequencing equipment and data.

Brent Mead, Bureau Chief for the Office of Consumer Protection at the Montana Department of Justice, testified in support. "This is a great bill that gives our office another tool to help protect Montana's personal private information from being misused," Mead said, citing federal attention to foreign actors allegedly backdooring sequencing equipment and the use of genetic data to identify and target populations abroad.

Mead told committee members that Montana already uses state data‑privacy laws to press companies that do business with Montanans to comply with state rules. He said the bill would help keep genetic sequencing data in the United States and allow the state to enforce compliance. He noted examples — such as prenatal genetic tests — where out‑of‑country data storage raised concerns.

Committee members focused on mechanics and scope. Representative Zolnikov asked whether the bill's reference to "foreign adversaries" should track the federal list that can change over time; the sponsor said the date phrase could be struck so the statutory reference would update as the federal list changes. Representative Sharp and others asked how the rule would operate where consumers voluntarily send samples to companies such as 23andMe or Ancestry; the sponsor said Montana already has strong protections under existing DNA laws and that this bill focuses on the sequencing technology and where sequenced data is stored and processed.

The sponsor also flagged administrative language that may need cleanup. He said a provision that allows a medical or research facility to request reimbursement from the state for replacement of prohibited equipment "is not really normal" and may be removed.

Representative Fielder noted the bill passed the Senate by a large margin and asked whether anything had changed; the sponsor said he was not aware of developments that would alter that outcome. Several members asked whether the bill would unduly limit research or clinical testing; the sponsor said the bill targets equipment and software from foreign adversaries and aims to keep sequenced data in U.S. jurisdiction while allowing informed consent for sharing.

The hearing concluded with the sponsor urging committee support and inviting clean‑up amendments.

No committee vote was recorded on SB 410 during this session.