Bill Text: TX HB2110 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to a property right in certain DNA samples; providing penalties.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-08 - Referred to Public Health [HB2110 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HB2110-Introduced.html
  82R9672 TJS-D
 
  By: Kolkhorst H.B. No. 2110
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a property right in certain DNA samples; providing
  penalties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Title 1, Property Code, is amended by adding
  Chapter 3 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 3. PROPERTY RIGHT IN CERTAIN DNA SAMPLES
         Sec. 3.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid.
               (2)  "DNA sample" means a blood sample or other
  biological sample or specimen provided by an individual for the
  purpose of conducting DNA analysis or storage.
               (3)  "Genetic characteristic" means a scientifically
  or medically identifiable genetic or chromosomal variation,
  composition, or alteration that predisposes an individual to a
  disease, disorder, or syndrome.
               (4)  "Genetic test" means a presymptomatic laboratory
  test of an individual's genes, products, or chromosomes that:
                     (A)  analyzes the individual's DNA, RNA,
  proteins, or chromosomes; and
                     (B)  is performed to identify a genetic
  characteristic.
               (5)  "Property right" means the property right created
  by this chapter.
               (6)  "RNA" means ribonucleic acid.
         Sec. 3.002.  PROPERTY RIGHT ESTABLISHED. (a) Subject to
  Subsection (b), an individual has an exclusive property right in a
  DNA sample provided by the individual.  A person may not, without
  the informed, written consent of the individual or the individual's
  legal guardian or authorized representative:
               (1)  collect a DNA sample from an individual;
               (2)  perform a genetic test on an individual's DNA
  sample; or
               (3)  retain an individual's DNA sample.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), this chapter does not
  apply to:
               (1)  a DNA sample collected for the purpose of
  emergency medical treatment;
               (2)  a DNA sample collected for law enforcement
  purposes, including the identification of a perpetrator and the
  investigation of a crime, or identification of a missing,
  unidentified, or deceased person; or
               (3)  any other similar use of a DNA sample under the
  laws of this state or another jurisdiction.
         Sec. 3.003.  CIVIL PENALTY; INJUNCTION.  (a) A person who
  violates Section 3.002 is liable to the state for a civil penalty
  not to exceed the amount of any profits that are attributable to the
  violation.  The amount of profits under this subsection may be
  established by showing the gross revenue attributable to the
  unauthorized use minus any expenses that the person who committed
  the unauthorized use may prove.
         (b)  Subject to Subsection (a), the amount of a civil penalty
  under this section shall be based on:
               (1)  the seriousness of the violation, including the
  nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation;
               (2)  the economic harm caused by the violation;
               (3)  the history of previous violations;
               (4)  the amount necessary to deter a future violation;
               (5)  efforts to correct the violation; and
               (6)  any other matter that justice may require.
         (c)  If it appears that a person has violated Section 3.002,
  the attorney general may institute an action for a civil penalty,
  injunctive relief, or both.
         (d)  The attorney general may recover reasonable attorney's
  fees and expenses and court costs incurred in recovering a civil
  penalty or obtaining injunctive relief under this section.
         Sec. 3.004.  CRIMINAL PENALTY. A person commits an offense
  if the person, with criminal negligence, violates Section 3.002.
  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
         SECTION 2.  Chapter 3, Property Code, as added by this Act,
  applies only to a DNA sample collected or provided on or after the
  effective date of this Act.  A DNA sample collected or provided
  before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in
  effect immediately before that date, and that law is continued in
  effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
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