VA HB 685
Status unknownGenetic sequencing; use of foreign genetic sequencing, etc.
Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · lower
Quick answers
Did VA HB 685 pass?
The current status of VA HB 685 is not known from the official record. Latest recorded action (2026-02-03): Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N)
What is VA HB 685 about?
Genetic sequencing; organ transplants; use of foreign genetic sequencing or genetic sequencer operational and research software; foreign storage of genetic sequencing data; health insurance coverage for certain foreign organ transplants; civil penalty. Prohibits medical care facilities from (i) using genetic sequencers or any operational and research software, as such terms are defined in the bill, produced in a country designated as a foreign adversary by the federal government and (ii) storing genetic sequencing data with a country designated as a foreign adversary by the federal government. The bill requires medical care facilities to certify their compliance with such provisions, under penalty of perjury, annually with the Commissioner of Health and subjects medical care facilities that violate such provisions to civil penalties. The bill also prohibits health insurance carriers from covering human organ transplants that occur in China or other designated foreign countries and subjects carriers that violate this provision to civil penalties.
Who sponsors VA HB 685?
Eric R. Zehr is the primary sponsor of VA HB 685, joined by 1 cosponsor.
Description
Genetic sequencing; organ transplants; use of foreign genetic sequencing or genetic sequencer operational and research software; foreign storage of genetic sequencing data; health insurance coverage for certain foreign organ transplants; civil penalty. Prohibits medical care facilities from (i) using genetic sequencers or any operational and research software, as such terms are defined in the bill, produced in a country designated as a foreign adversary by the federal government and (ii) storing genetic sequencing data with a country designated as a foreign adversary by the federal government. The bill requires medical care facilities to certify their compliance with such provisions, under penalty of perjury, annually with the Commissioner of Health and subjects medical care facilities that violate such provisions to civil penalties. The bill also prohibits health insurance carriers from covering human organ transplants that occur in China or other designated foreign countries and subjects carriers that violate this provision to civil penalties.
- Introduced
- 2026-01-13
- Latest action
- 2026-02-03 — Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N)
- Bill type
- bill
- Last updated
- —
Sponsors
- Eric R. Zehrprimary
- Wendell S. Walkercosponsor
Committees
Not provided by source.
Action timeline
2026-01-13
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102328D
filing,introduction
2026-01-13
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/13/2026 4:45 pm)
2026-01-13
Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
referral-committee
2026-01-21
Assigned sub: Health
referral-committee
2026-02-02
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB685)
2026-02-03
Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N)
Versions
Documents
Votes
Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely
2026-02-03 · pass · 7-3
Member-level votes (10)
- Patrick A. Hope: yes
- Marcia S. "Cia" Price: yes
- Sam Rasoul: yes
- Charniele L. Herring: yes
- Irene Shin: yes
- Mark C. Downey: yes
- Garrett McGuire: yes
- M. Keith Hodges: no
- Wendell S. Walker: no
- H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.: no
Related bills
No related bills recorded for this bill.
Official source
Attribution
Data from openstates_bulk_csv, retrieved 2026-07-24T05:35:59.552682Z
Inspect retained evidence for changes recorded after evidence tracking began:
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