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AB-1727 • 2026

Crimes: theft of DNA.

Crimes: theft of DNA.

Crime Education Privacy
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Ta
Last action
2026-04-23
Official status
Read second time and amended.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not specify if there are penalties for local agencies that do not report DNA theft cases.

Making it a Crime to Steal DNA

This law makes stealing someone's genetic information without permission illegal and requires local police departments to report on cases of DNA theft.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it a crime for anyone to sell or transfer another person’s genetic data without their clear agreement, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not exceeding $1,000.
  • Requires local law enforcement agencies to send reports about DNA theft cases to the Attorney General starting July 1, 2027.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who steal genetic data
  • Local law enforcement agencies in California

Terms To Know

Genetic Data
Information about a person's DNA, which is like their unique biological code.
Express Consent
Clear permission given by someone before their genetic data can be used or shared.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if local agencies do not report DNA theft cases.
  • It is unclear how much it will cost to enforce this law and whether the state will pay for these costs.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-23 California Legislative Information

    Read second time and amended.

  2. 2026-04-22 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 21).

  3. 2026-03-31 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.

  4. 2026-03-23 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.

  5. 2026-03-19 California Legislative Information

    Read second time and amended.

  6. 2026-03-18 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (March 17).

  7. 2026-03-10 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  8. 2026-02-23 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and P. & C.P.

  9. 2026-02-06 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 8.

  10. 2026-02-05 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1727, as amended, Ta.
Crimes:
unlawful use
theft
of DNA.
Existing law, the Genetic Information Privacy Act, requires a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, as defined, to provide a consumer with certain information regarding the company’s policies and procedures for the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure, as applicable, of genetic data, and to obtain a consumer’s express consent for collection, use, or disclosure of the consumer’s genetic data, as specified. Existing law assesses a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for a negligent violation of these provisions, and a civil penalty between $1,000 and $10,000, inclusive, for a willful violation of these provisions.
This bill would specify that any person who willfully sells or transfers genetic data, without express consent, as defined, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine not to exceed
$1,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
This bill would require all local law enforcement agencies in the state to report to the Attorney General starting July 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the number of reports filed in the past year on the theft of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) and the current status of those cases. The bill would require the Attorney General to, on or before January 1, 2028, report to the Legislature, and post on its internet website, the number of police reports filed on the theft of DNA and the current status of those cases. By increasing duties on local law enforcement, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
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