Committee advances resolution rejecting part of Genetic Counselors’ code of ethics

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Concurrent Resolution 14 to the Senate with a due-pass recommendation after a motion and second in committee.

The resolution asks the Senate to concur with the committee’s previous rejection of a section of an administrative rule that had incorporated language from the Genetic Counselors Code of Ethics. Committee members debated whether the portion objected to included an anti‑discrimination or ‘‘diversity’’ statement adopted from a national association.

Senator Van Orden, who presented the item, said the resolution concerns the committee’s prior rejection of that portion of the administrative rule. Senator Lenny moved to send HCR 14 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; Senator Keiser seconded the motion. Senator Wintrow asked whether the rejected language addressed an inclusive or diversity statement; Van Orden confirmed that it was his understanding that that was the part of the rule being rejected. Wintrow said she opposed rejecting language that, in her view, reaffirmed nondiscrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender identity and sexual orientation.

After discussion the committee took a voice vote on Lenny’s motion. The committee chair called the ayes; an opposed voice was recorded and Senator Wintrow asked to be noted in opposition. The chair then returned the gavel to the Senate chair and moved on to the next agenda item.

No further testimony or amendments to HCR 14 were recorded in the committee transcript. The committee record shows the motion forwarded the resolution to the Senate; Senator Wintrow’s opposition was entered on the record.