HB685Introduced in the House of Delegates
Genetic sequencing; use of foreign genetic sequencing, etc.
Introduced by Eric Zehr, District 51
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official 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.
Where it stands
Left in Health and Human Services
February 18, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of DelegatesStage: Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N) · February 3, 2026
7
Yes
3
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
10 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | 1 | Yes |
| Charniele Herring | 4 | Yes |
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Garrett McGuire | 17 | Yes |
| Sam Rasoul | 38 | Yes |
| Wendell Walker | 52 | No |
| Keith Hodges | 68 | No |
| Mark Downey | 69 | Yes |
| Otto Wachsmann | 83 | No |
| Marcia Price | 85 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102328D
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/13/2026 4:45 pm)
Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
Assigned sub: Health
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB685)
Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N)
Left in Health and Human Services
Verify the information
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