Core Provisions: This Act would amend Title VII, ERISA, and other laws to prohibit employers and health insurers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of genetic information. Under the Act, employers may not discharge, refuse to hire or otherwise discriminate against employees on the basis of genetic information. Further, the Act prohibits health insurers from adjusting premiums on the basis of genetic information, requiring genetic testing or collecting genetic information for underwriting purposes. The Act provides that genetic information includes results of genetic testing of the individual or his/her family members, as well as the manifestation of a disease or disorder in family members of such individual.

Status: On April 10, 2007, Sen. Kennedy (D-MA) from the HELP Committee submitted Report No. 110-48 recommending passage of S.358. The House passed H.R.493 on April 25, 2007.  The Senate unanimously passed H.R. 493, as amended, on April 24, 2008. The House passed H.R.493, as amended, on May 1, 2008 by a 414-1 vote. President Bush signed the amended bill into law on May 21, 2008.