HB 548: Genetic Information Amendments - Utah

Substitute #3 → Substitute #4 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to update the Senate sponsor name, add a new definition for 'open data' to exempt publicly available genetic information from restrictions, adjust compliance deadlines from 2025 to 2026, and clarify that remote access from foreign adversaries is prohibited rather than just storage. These changes refine the bill's scope by creating an exemption for open data, delaying enforcement timelines, and clarifying the geographic scope of access restrictions.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by adding an exemption for 'open data' (publicly available genetic information) from storage and access restrictions, and the applicability timeline was extended by one year for compliance reporting and enforcement.

TIMELINE

Compliance reporting deadline changed from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026, and fine enforcement dates changed from July 1, 2025 to May 1, 2026.

DEFINITION

New definition of 'open data' was added to exempt publicly available genetic sequencing data and data from standard research cell lines from the bill's restrictions.

REQUIREMENT

Remote access restriction was modified to specifically prohibit access from foreign adversaries rather than just access from outside the United States, and the prohibition now explicitly excludes open data.

ENFORCEMENT

Subsection (3)(d) was modified to clarify that the fine applies to storing genetic sequencing data within the boundaries of a foreign adversary rather than outside the United States.

ELIGIBILITY

Senate Sponsor name was changed from 'LONG TITLE' to 'Jerry W. Stevenson'.

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill version primarily changes formatting and layout rather than substantive policy. The core provisions remain identical: prohibiting use of genetic sequencers/software from foreign adversaries, banning storage of genetic data outside the US, requiring compliance certifications, and establishing $10,000 fines for violations. The only substantive addition is a note in the title section stating this bill provides a special effective date.

TECHNICAL

Changed from single-line text format to multi-line formatted bill text with proper spacing and indentation

Added bill header information including date stamps and substitute number identifiers

TITLE

Added note in title section stating 'This bill provides a special effective date'

SUBSTANTIVE

All substantive policy provisions including definitions, prohibitions, requirements, fines, and enforcement mechanisms remain identical to previous version

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was reformatted from a standard legislative text to a substitute version with updated formatting and minor text changes. The core policy provisions regarding genetic sequencing restrictions remain substantively the same, though some definitions were clarified and enforcement language was modified to give the attorney general sole authority.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on prohibiting use of genetic sequencing tools from foreign adversaries and restricting storage of genetic data outside the United States, with no change to applicability.

DEFINITION

Definition of 'Human genome' was expanded to specify it includes a complete set of nucleic acid sequences encoded in the 23 chromosomes.

ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement language was changed to explicitly state the attorney general has sole authority to enforce the section and may initiate civil actions.

TECHNICAL

Text was reformatted from standard legislative format to a substitute bill format with different line numbering and spacing.

REQUIREMENT

Highlighted provisions section was updated to reflect the attorney general's new authority to initiate civil actions.

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The substitute version of HB 548 modifies the original bill's language to clarify that genetic sequencing data cannot be stored within foreign adversary boundaries rather than requiring storage within the United States, and updates the highlighted provisions to reflect this change. The substantive policy requirements regarding prohibited equipment use, security measures, compliance reporting, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms remain largely the same.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding data storage requirements changed from requiring storage within the United States to prohibiting storage within foreign adversary boundaries, which may allow for storage in allied nations while maintaining restrictions on adversary access.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the genetic sequencing data storage requirement from 'within the United States' to 'not within the boundaries of a foreign adversary'

Updated the highlighted provisions summary to reflect the new storage restriction language

TECHNICAL

Added formatting elements including bill title headers, page numbers, and timestamps typical of legislative substitute documents

Removed the effective date section that stated the bill takes effect on May 7, 2025

Changed the bill title from 'Introduced' version to '1st Sub. (Buff) H.B. 548' indicating this is the first substitute version

Genetic Information Amendments

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