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HR 341 105th Congress House Health Bioethics Child abuse Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Congress Congressional reporting requirements Crime and Law Enforcement Criminal investigation DNA fingerprints Death Discrimination in employment Discrimination in insurance Discrimination in medical care Employee rights Families Finance and Financial Sector Freedom of information Genetic screening Government Operations and Politics Health insurance

Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997

Introduced: January 7, 1997 See on congress.gov
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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 8 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 31, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.
Jan 27, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Jan 23, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
Jan 7, 1997
Referred to House Commerce
Jan 7, 1997
Referred to House Government Reform
Jan 7, 1997
Introduced in House
Jan 7, 1997
Referred to House Education and the Workforce
Jan 7, 1997
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, and Education and the Workforce, 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.
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Establishes limitations regarding genetic information disclosure and use.

Prohibits disclosure about an individual unless specifically authorized by the individual, or the individual's representative, through a written authorization that includes certain elements.

Specifies the circumstances in which disclosure is allowed.

(Sec. 5) Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of genetic tests. Provides for enforcement through the same powers, procedures, and remedies as are provided under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

(Sec. 6) Prohibits health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic tests. Requires, if an insurer requests that an insurance applicant (other than a health insurance applicant) take a genetic test, that: (1) the use of the results of such test be disclosed to the applicant; and (2) the insurer obtain the applicant's specific written authorization for such disclosure. Prohibits an insurer from using such a genetic test as an inducement for the purchase of insurance.

(Sec. 7) Directs the National Bioethics Advisory Commission to report to congressional committees its recommendations on appropriate 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, including appropriate exceptions.

What's happening now January 31, 1997

Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 6
 Cosponsors 2
All 2 Democratic 1 Republican 1
R
Calvert, Ken
California · Jan 7, 1997
 D
Lofgren, Zoe
California · Jan 7, 1997
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 341: Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-341/
MLA
"H.R. 341: Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-341/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 341, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-341/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 341: Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-341/)
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