CAL.Regulation
California bars life and disability insurers from using genetic information except under set criteria
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1798 on September 30, 2026. From January 1, 2027, life and disability insurers may not cancel, limit or deny coverage based on genetic tests, or require, request or use genetic information, except where specified underwriting criteria are met. Insurers, agents and insurance-support organizations may not seek a person's genetic information or full genome or base adverse underwriting on it unless those criteria are met.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Key points
- AB 1798 amends Insurance Code sections 791.06, 791.07, 791.11, 791.12 and 10146 through 10149.1, effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
- Life and disability insurers may not cancel, limit or deny coverage based on a test for the presence or absence of a genetic characteristic.California Legislative Information
- Except as provided, insurers may not require, request or solicit genetic information, use genetic test results, or consider a person's genetic-testing decisions.California Legislative Information
- An insurer may base an underwriting decision on a genetic test only if specified criteria are met; misuse of genetic information carries civil penalties.California Legislative Information
- Investigative consumer reports may not seek genetic information or a full genome, and the law bars use or disclosure of a person's full genome.California Legislative Information
- Newsom signed AB 1798, by Assemblymember Lori Wilson, on September 30, 2026.Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
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RegulationCal.California AB 1798 genetic testing for life and disability insuranceData protectionHealthcareInsuranceFor practitionersFor governance