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H.R. 3299 105th Congress House

Family Genetic Privacy and Protection Act

Official title: To establish limitation with respect to the disclosure and use of genetic information in connection with group health plans and health insurance coverage, to p… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To establish limitation with respect to the disclosure and use of genetic information in connection with group health plans and health insurance coverage, to provide for consistant standards applicable in connection with hospital care and medical services provided under title 38 of the United States Code, to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of genetic information and genetic testing, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 26, 1998 See on congress.gov
Health Administrative procedureArmed Forces and National SecurityBioethicsCivil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Civil rights enforcementCommerceConfidential communicationsCongressCongressional reporting requirementsDNADepartment of Veterans AffairsDiscrimination in employmentDiscrimination in insuranceDiscrimination in medical careEmployee benefit plansEmployee health benefitsEmployee rightsEmployment testsFederal advisory bodiesFinance and Financial SectorGenetic screeningGovernment Operations and PoliticsGovernment paperworkHealth insuranceHealth insurance industryInsurance companiesInsurance premiumsInsurance ratesLabor and EmploymentLawMedical economicsMedical ethicsMedical geneticsMedical recordsMedical testsPatients' rightsRight of privacyUnfair labor practicesVeterans' medical care
This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 7 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 23, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Mar 16, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.
Feb 26, 1998
Referred to House Veterans' Affairs
Feb 26, 1998
Referred to House Education and the Workforce
Feb 26, 1998
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 26, 1998
Referred to House Commerce
Feb 26, 1998
Introduced in House
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 Latest action March 23, 1998

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Family Genetic Privacy and Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from discriminating in eligibility based on a request for, or receipt of, genetic information or a genetic test. Prohibits such entities from: (1) using genetic information to discriminate in issuance, renewal, premium rates, or benefits; or (2) disclosing or being compelled, by subpoena or any other means, subject to exception, to disclose genetic information about an individual unless authorized by the individual. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply these prohibitions to coverage in the individual market.

Amends Federal law relating to veterans' benefits to mandate standards, consistent with the prohibitions in this Act, regarding genetic information use and disclosure in connection with medical care provided under those provisions.

Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to attempt to acquire, acquire, or use genetic information, or to require a genetic test, of an employee or applicant to discriminate or restrict any right or benefit. Regulates employer disclosure of and access to genetic information. Provides for enforcement through the powers, remedies, and procedures in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Establishes the National Bipartisan Commission on the Use of Genetic Information to make recommendations with respect to the development and implementation of standards: (1) to provide increased protection for the collection, storage, and use of identifiable DNA samples and genetic information obtained from those samples; and (2) for the acquisition and retention of genetic information in all settings, but in particular clinical settings, including appropriate exceptions. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on its recommendations, findings, and conclusions. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such report.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 5
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3299: Family Genetic Privacy and Protection Act. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3299/
MLA
"H.R. 3299: Family Genetic Privacy and Protection Act." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3299/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3299, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3299/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3299: Family Genetic Privacy and Protection Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3299/)
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