Committee debates IVF/ART licensing, storage and genetic‑testing limits; amended bill fails in committee

House Bill 9 45, with two committee amendments, was the subject of extended testimony and legal review on March 18, 2025. The sponsor, Chairman Williams, presented amendments to require assisted reproductive technology (ART) certification for physicians, licensing and bonding for laboratories that store embryos, and an affidavit requirement that clinics use Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) consent templates. The committee adopted two amendments during the hearing and later voted on the amended bill; the final committee vote was 4 ayes and 6 nos, and the bill failed.

Chairman Williams said the measure was intended to protect patients and embryos after recent clinic closures and alleged unlicensed practice in the state. He described three primary elements of the amended bill: a certificate for physicians who practice ART, licensure and a performance bond for laboratories that store embryos, and using standard clinic…