California law signed to regulate newborn DNA storage after investigation

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a significant bill, SB 1099, on Wednesday, which was influenced by a ten-year investigation by CBS News California into the state's newborn genetic biobank. This biobank has been accumulating blood spots from every baby born in California since the 1980s, raising serious privacy issues as these samples can be accessed by researchers and law enforcement without parental consent. The new legislation aims to shed light on the extent of this practice by requiring the California Department of Public Health to report the number of DNA samples stored and sold each year. Despite the progress represented by SB 1099, the law has faced criticism from privacy advocates. Amendments made to the bill have led to concerns about transparency, as they removed provisions that would have required the state to disclose the identities of researchers purchasing the DNA and the specific purposes for which the samples are being used. This lack of transparency has fueled fears that the state may be operating in secrecy regarding the use of sensitive genetic information. The introduction of this law follows a series of legislative efforts aimed at addressing the public's concerns about the ethical implications of storing and utilizing newborn DNA. While SB 1099 is a step forward, advocates for privacy rights are determined to continue pushing for more comprehensive reforms in the coming year. As the situation evolves, the implications of this law and the ongoing debate about genetic privacy in California will likely remain a focal point for lawmakers and the public alike.