Committee reviews companion bill to secure Texans’ genomic sequencing data from foreign access

The committee considered House Bill 130, a companion to Senate Bill 24 29, which would restrict foreign access to Texans’ genomic sequencing data and require entities handling that data to adopt encryption and cybersecurity best practices.

Senator Hughes, the Senate sponsor, described the bill’s intent to prevent foreign access to genomic sequencing data, citing warnings about foreign governments collecting genetic information. He said the committee substitute, offered after stakeholder input, would prevent companies from selling Texans’ genomic information in bankruptcy proceedings.

Under the substitute described in the hearing, the bill would require medical and research facilities, companies and nonprofits that hold Texas genome data to secure it by encryption and cybersecurity best practices, prohibit access by persons located outside the United States unless the attorney general authorizes it, and require annual compliance certification with civil penalties and private causes of action for violations.

The committee opened public testimony and left the bill pending; no public witnesses are recorded in the provided transcript excerpt. The sponsor said the substitute reflects stakeholder suggestions and the committee will consider the measure further when referred.