The real privacy risks are DNA kits

Insurers want your genetic info | Jan. 13

As at-home genetic testing kits grow in popularity, some lawmakers in Florida are raising important concerns about the privacy risks facing consumers. But the bill recently brought forward by Rep. Chris Sprowls — a proposal that met significant pushback in the Senate last year — would fail to hold the companies that sell these tests accountable, and worse, let government tell Floridians what they can and cannot do with their own genetic code. Sprowls’ proposal attempts to prevent a hypothetical future in which life, long-term care or disability insurers — all strictly regulated — somehow access genetic information without a person’s consent. Sprowls says “it is conceivable” that the alternate reality he sets up could come true and asks people to “imagine” what it would be like. He invents a scenario — “albeit extreme,” in his words — where certain types of insurance are only available to a genetic superclass. This is the stuff of science fiction, not the basis of a policy that could disrupt the life, long-term care and disability insurance markets and affect millions of Floridians.

Lawmakers should focus on the real threat consumers face, as direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies operate in a Wild West environment. Instead of trying to thwart an imagined future by making a preemptive strike on insurers, Florida should set clear rules for these companies.

Lawmakers should develop a solution that actually addresses the root problem: Many at-home genetic testing companies are roping consumers into exploitative agreements they do not understand and then sharing their private information far and wide.

Wanda Grubbs Schwerer, Belleair Bluffs

A development fight

East Lake fights Tarpon annexation | Jan. 27

Tarpon Springs and Pinellas County officials should oppose any annexations of East Lake and Lake Tarpon areas for development. These areas should remain rural and natural. There is a greater benefit to the environment and the culture of our county by leaving these properties zoned agricultural and low density. The annexation plan proposed by Pioneer Homes would greatly add to suburban sprawl, which has already been detrimental to the character of Tarpon Springs, once a scenic small town surrounded by rural areas and wilderness. It will further isolate the wildlife at Brooker Creek Preserve, and endanger wildlife with heavy automobile traffic. What Pioneer Homes is achieving in short-term profit for its owners will come at a severe cost to everyone else. The loss of our rural areas, our wilderness and the character of our communities is irreplaceable.

Joseph Weinzettle, Tarpon Springs

Senators unswayed

Senate must hear Bolton | Column, Jan. 28

Does anyone believe that John Bolton’s testimony would sway enough Republican senators? Many don’t believe the president committed an impeachable offense even if the accusation turns out to be true. It’s time for the Republicans to high-five. This one’s over.

Spend your days with Hayes

Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter

Columnist Stephanie Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday.

Loading...

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

Hal Batey, St. Petersburg

Looking for a witness

At least one important witness is absent from the impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump. Not John Bolton. The missing witness is someone who would call upon the senators who sit in judgment of the president to reflect upon his background as a person, businessman and politician, and ask themselves: Is Donald Trump capable of this wrongdoing? Or is he simply incapable of such treachery? Does such a credible character witness exist anywhere?

Fred Kalhammer, Sun City Center