H.F. 1888 Summary

• Amends Minnesota Statutes section 13.386 to classify genetic information held by government entities as private data on individuals.

• Requires written informed consent before any government entity or person may collect, use, store, or disseminate genetic information, with consent valid for one year or lesser period specified.

• Informed consent must include Tennessen warning, be understandable to person of average intelligence, specify the entity collecting data, nature of genetic information, recipient identities, and permitted purposes, and be signed and dated.

• Creates new consumer protection law (Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F.786) establishing that an individual's genetic information and biological specimens are exclusive property of the individual, with same consent requirements as government entities.

• Allows injured persons to bring civil actions for violations and recover actual damages, costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees; authorizes Attorney General to bring enforcement actions under section 8.31.