Plain English Breakdown
The official text mentions two conflicting statements about reimbursement: one says no reimbursement is required for a specified reason, while another says reimbursement will be made if costs are determined. The specific reason for the exemption is not detailed in the provided text.
AB-1727: Making Theft of DNA a Crime
This law makes it a crime to willfully sell or transfer genetic data without express consent and requires local police agencies to report these cases annually.
What This Bill Does
- Creates a new misdemeanor for any person who willfully sells or transfers genetic data without express consent.
- Sets penalties of up to one year in county jail, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both for breaking this rule.
- Requires all local law enforcement agencies to report the number of DNA theft reports filed and their status starting July 1, 2027, and annually thereafter.
- Requires the Attorney General to report these numbers to the Legislature and post them on a website by January 1, 2028.
Who It Names or Affects
- Any person who willfully sells or transfers genetic data without express consent
- All local law enforcement agencies in California
- The Office of the Attorney General
Terms To Know
- Misdemeanor
- A crime punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
- Express consent
- Clear permission required before genetic data can be collected, used, or disclosed as defined under existing law.
- Genetic data
- Information regarding a person's DNA that is subject to privacy laws and the new theft provisions in this bill.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official text does not specify an effective date for when the law begins.
- Reimbursement for local agency costs depends on whether the Commission on State Mandates determines that state-mandated costs exist.
- The bill states no reimbursement is required for a specified reason, but does not detail what that specific reason is in this summary.