HB 1835 -- Personal Information

Co-Sponsors:  Levin, Harlan, Hohulin, Linton, Hosmer, Kelly
(27), Akin, Dougherty, Reid, Smith, Days, Enz, Bartelsmeyer,
Schilling

This bill changes the law regarding use of genetic information
and genetic tests by insurance companies, employers, and genetic
testing laboratories.  Specifically, the bill:  (1)  changes the
definitions for genetic information and genetic tests; (2)
prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against
individuals or family members based on their genetic information
or based on their request for genetic services; (3)  prohibits
employers from requiring DNA samples or obtaining any genetic
information or genetic test results from employees or
prospective employees; and (4)  makes employers and genetic
testing laboratories civilly liable for damages caused by
violating the provisions of the bill relating to genetic
information and testing.

The bill also prohibits entities from requesting or requiring a
person, as a condition of employment or doing business, to
submit to fingerprinting, retina scans, voice prints, or DNA
testing.  Law enforcement agencies, Missouri bar examiners, and
other entities specifically authorized by state or federal law
to conduct such procedures are exempted from the prohibition.
Persons who violate these provisions are guilty of a class C
misdemeanor and may be fined up to $1,000.  In addition,
entities that violate these provisions are subject to a civil
penalty, which may not exceed $100,000.