NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used for other purposes.

The most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	HJC		DATE TYPED:	03/12/03		HB	453/HJCS
SHORT TITLE:		Protection of Genetic Privacy				SB
					ANALYST:		Gilbert

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Judiciary Committee substitute to House Bill 453 adds a new Section 28-1-2.1 NMSA 1978, to the Human Rights Act, to define Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and “genetic information” and adds a new Section 28-1-7.1 NMSA 1978, to prohibit genetic information from being used in any employment-related decision.

Significant Issues

Access to genotypes can and has been misused in the workplace. Ownership of genetic information has nationwide become a controversial issue, and there is currently a national trend for persons to be allowed to control their own genetic information.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

HB 453 would require employers to review how they deal with confidential information.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The reference to privacy in this bill does not actually ensure privacy; it only prohibits using such information to influence employment related decisions.

RLG/yr