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House approves limits on foreign access to genetic sequencing data after contentious debate
Summary
Lawmakers advanced a bill that restricts where Utah genetic sequencing data may be processed and stored, adopting a third substitute and sending the measure from committee by a 7–6 vote after testimony from security advocates and local biotech leaders.
SALT LAKE CITY — The House Health and Human Services Committee on Friday voted 7–6 to advance House Bill 5‑48 (third substitute), legislation that would tighten where genetic sequencing data from Utah can be processed and stored and set an implementation date of May 1, 2026.
Supporters said the bill aims to reduce the risk that sensitive genetic data could be routed to entities tied to foreign adversaries; opponents from Utah’s research and biotech community warned the measure could be costly, technically ambiguous and could disrupt medical care and local industry collaborations.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Brooks, described the measure as a step to “protect the data of our U.S. citizens” and said the later implementation date is intended to…
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