Tennessee House Bill HB2222

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/31/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/9/24
• Passed: 5/9/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 5, relative to genetic testing.

Impact

The introduction of HB2222 could significantly influence state laws concerning genetic testing and public health initiatives by formalizing the process of recognizing genetic predispositions to diseases. Should the bill pass, it would set a precedent for future legislation that promotes public health through increased genetic research and testing. This could lead to more targeted health interventions and potentially reduced healthcare costs associated with late-stage renal diseases, which often require costly treatments or dialysis.

Summary

House Bill 2222 aims to address public health concerns related to the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene, which is associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease. The bill mandates that the relevant department conduct a review and produce a report to the General Assembly. This report will focus on increasing awareness and screening for the APOL1 gene, thereby encouraging genetic testing in the state. This legislative intention reflects a growing recognition of the importance of genetic factors in chronic health conditions, and it seeks to enhance preventive health measures across the community.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2222 is largely positive among health advocates and legislators who prioritize public health. Proponents argue that the bill is a progressive step towards leveraging genetic information for disease prevention and health improvement. However, some concerns may arise regarding privacy and ethical implications related to genetic testing. Stakeholders urge that any initiatives stemming from this bill must ensure that individuals' genetic data are handled responsibly.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2222 could involve potential pushback on the ethical implications of increased genetic testing and data privacy concerns. Critics may be concerned about how the data collected would be used and safeguarded, posing challenges to universal acceptance of the proposed measures. Additionally, there could be debates on the accessibility and affordability of genetic testing services, questioning whether all populations in Tennessee would benefit equally from the initiatives developed as a result of the bill's enactment.