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Committee advances bill to expand access to genetic testing; sponsors cite preventive and treatment benefits
Summary
Senate Bill 331 would expand access to genetic testing to help identify hereditary cancer risks and guide treatment; committee advanced the bill by voice vote after sponsors described clinical benefits and personal stories.
Sen. Greg Leading and advocates described Senate Bill 331 as a measure to expand access to genetic testing so Arkansans with strong family histories of lethal cancers can pursue preventive care or targeted treatments.
Leading recounted time spent with a genetic counselor and said the tests can identify hereditary cancer genes that significantly change clinical care. “Genetic testing could be a very powerful tool to help somebody make preventative decisions,” he said.
A Susan G. Komen representative recounted a metastatic breast cancer patient whose genetic test made her eligible for a clinical trial that prolonged her survival. No opponents signed up and the committee advanced the bill by voice vote on a motion by Sen. Flowers, seconded by Sen. Penzo.
Sponsors said the bill seeks to make genetic testing more accessible and to ensure that testing results can inform screening and treatment decisions. The bill was presented for committee consideration and will continue through the legislative process.
