WI
Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB673
Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session
Menu
WI

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB673

Introduced
11/19/25  
Refer
11/19/25  
Report Pass
1/16/26  
Refer
1/16/26  
Engrossed
1/22/26  
Refer
1/26/26  
Enrolled
2/20/26  

Caption

Banning the use of genetic software from foreign adversaries in medical and research facilities, the storage of any human genome sequencing data within the borders of a foreign adversary, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB673 will have a substantial impact on the regulatory framework surrounding genetic data in the state. By instituting these bans, the bill aims to enhance the security of medical facilities and protect the personal data of individuals. This aligns with a growing trend among states to take proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information against foreign threats. The bill could also signal a shift in how medical and research institutions collaborate with international partners, likely leading to stricter compliance and oversight procedures.

Summary

AB673 addresses significant concerns regarding the use and storage of genetic data in medical and research facilities. Specifically, this bill proposes to ban the use of genetic software from identified foreign adversaries and prohibits the storage of any human genome sequencing data within their borders. This measure is designed to protect sensitive genetic information from potential misuse or exploitation by foreign entities that may not adhere to the same ethical standards regarding data privacy and handling.

Conclusion

Overall, AB673 reflects a growing cautious approach to genetic data security in an increasingly interconnected world, underscoring the need for protective measures while also raising questions about the future of international cooperation in the fields of medicine and research.

Contention

Debate around AB673 primarily revolves around the balance between national security and the academic and medical freedom to collaborate globally. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to prevent potential data breaches and to ensure that sensitive genetic data does not fall into the hands of foreign adversaries, which could compromise the state’s integrity and security. Conversely, critics may express concerns about the implications for research collaboration and innovation if restrictions on foreign software and data storage are too stringent, potentially hindering scientific progress.

Companion Bills

WI SB649

Crossfiled Banning the use of genetic software from foreign adversaries in medical and research facilities, the storage of any human genome sequencing data within the borders of a foreign adversary, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI SB649

Banning the use of genetic software from foreign adversaries in medical and research facilities, the storage of any human genome sequencing data within the borders of a foreign adversary, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI SB234

Prohibiting the use of genetic sequencers or operational software used for genetic analysis that is produced in a foreign adversary.

WI HB942

Banning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act Banning Strategic Petroleum Reserve Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act

WI HB2661

Enacting the foreign adversaries out of higher education act to prohibit postsecondary educational institutions from accepting gifts, grants and other moneys from foreign adversaries and their affiliates, prohibiting certain foreign adversary affiliates from operating on campuses and providing training and education on such foreign adversaries and their affiliates.

WI SB393

Banning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act

WI HB685

Genetic sequencing; use of foreign genetic sequencing, etc.

WI HB2313

Senate Substitute for HB 2313 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Prohibiting the use of the artificial intelligence platform DeepSeek and other artificial intelligence platforms controlled by a country of concern on state-owned devices and on any state network and the use of genetic sequencers or operational software used for genetic analysis that is produced in a foreign adversary.

WI HB1099

Foreign adversaries.

WI HB196

Creates the "Foreign Adversary Divestment Act", requiring the state and local government entities to divest from investments in foreign adversaries

WI SB0256

Foreign agent registration, foreign terrorist organizations, and foreign adversaries.

Similar Bills

WI AB663

Imposing certain prohibitions on foreign influence at University of Wisconsin System institutions. (FE)

WI SB653

Imposing certain prohibitions on foreign influence at University of Wisconsin System institutions. (FE)

TX HB130

Relating to genetic information security for residents of this state; providing a civil penalty; providing a private cause of action.

TX SB2430

Relating to measures to protect public institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; providing civil and administrative penalties; increasing a criminal penalty.

LA SB399

Creates the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council. (1/1/27) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

AZ HB2693

Genetic sequencing; insurance; prohibition

LA HB125

Provides for the protection, storage, and access of genomic information (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

TX HB127

Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.