VermontGenetic testing companies must explain and protect genetic data
Starting July 1, 2026, direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies must explain data practices, obtain certain consent, protect genetic data, and honor deletion requests.
What it does
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies must explain their data practices and get consent before using genetic data or samples for additional purposes, including sharing them.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies must use reasonable security measures to protect consumers’ genetic data from unauthorized access.
Consumers may ask direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies to delete their genetic data, with violations handled under Vermont’s consumer protection law.
Argument forConsumers could gain more control over sensitive genetic information because companies must explain its use, seek certain consent, and accept deletion requests.
Argument againstTesting companies may face added work and costs to explain data practices, obtain consent, secure information, and handle deletion requests.
More detail
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies must clearly explain how they collect and use genetic data and get consent for uses beyond the main testing service. This applies to companies offering genetic testing directly to consumers and covers consumers’ genetic data and biological samples. Consent is required before using genetic data or a biological sample beyond the primary purpose of the testing or service. Covered uses include sharing or transferring the data or sample to a third party. These requirements take effect on July 1, 2026.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies must use reasonable security procedures to prevent unauthorized access to consumers’ genetic data. The requirement covers genetic data handled by companies that provide genetic testing directly to consumers. The required procedures must be reasonable for protecting against unauthorized access. This requirement takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Consumers may request deletion of their genetic data, and violations are enforced under Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act. The deletion right applies to consumers whose genetic data is held by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies. The deletion right and enforcement provision take effect on July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 29House message: Governor approved bill on June 15, 2026Latest
- May 29Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 15, 2026Became Law
- May 29Delivered to Governor on June 9, 2026To Governor
- May 29House message: House adopted Conference Committee report
- May 28Committee of Conference report adopted (House bill)Major
- May 28Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration, pending entry on Notice Calendar, as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
- May 28Senate Message: Report of Committee of Conference adopted
- May 28Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
- May 28Committee of Conference report adopted
- May 28Committee of Conference report submitted by Senator Clarkson for Committee, text
- May 28Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth
- May 28Committee of Conference report
- May 28Entered on Notice Calendar
- May 22House message: House appointed Conference Committee members
- May 21Speaker appointed Reps. Graning of Jericho, Marcotte of Coventry, and White of Bethel as members of the Committee of Conference on the part of the House
- May 21Senate Message: House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment not concurred in and Committee of Conference appointedMinor
- May 21Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
- May 21Committee of Conference appointed: Senators Clarkson, Brock, and Chittenden
- May 21House proposal of amendment not concurred in; Committee of Conference requested, on motion of Senator ClarksonMinor
- May 21House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment, textMinor
- May 21House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendmentMinor
- May 20House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendmentMinor
- May 20Entered on Notice Calendar
- May 19House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment with proposal of amendmentMinor
- May 15Senate proposal of amendment concurred in with further amendment thereto, as offered by Rep. Olson of StarksboroMinor
- May 15Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 15, 2026
- May 14Rep. Olson of Starksboro moved to postpone action until May 15, 2026, which was agreed to
- May 14Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 14, 2026
- May 13Rep. Olson of Starksboro moved to postpone action until May 14, 2026, which was agreed to
- May 13Action Calendar: Senate Proposal of AmendmentMinor
- May 12Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of AmendmentMinor
- May 8Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendmentMinor
- May 7Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendmentPassed 2nd Chamber
- May 7New Business/Third ReadingMinor
- May 63rd reading ordered
- May 6Proposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs agreed toMinor
- May 6Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Clarkson for Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- May 6Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- May 6Unfinished Business/Second ReadingMinor
- May 5Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- May 5New Business/Second ReadingMinor
- May 1Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- May 1Second ReadingMinor
- May 1Entered on Notice Calendar
- Feb 27Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- Feb 25Read third time and passedPassed 1st Chamber
- Feb 25Action Calendar: Third ReadingMinor
- Feb 24Third Reading orderedMinor
- Feb 24Report of Committee on Commerce and Economic Development agreed to
- Feb 24Rep. Olson of Starksboro reported for the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
- Feb 24Read second timeMinor
- Feb 24Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Feb 20Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Jan 13Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic DevelopmentIntroduced
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