HB353 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: John W. Rogers
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to the State Board of Genetic Counseling; to amend Sections 34-13A-3 and 34-13A-10, Code of Alabama 1975, to authorize the board to conduct regular meetings by electronic means; and to authorize the board to make grants to develop training and continuing education programs for genetic counselors.
Summary: HB353 would let the State Board of Genetic Counseling hold regular meetings electronically and provide grants for training and continuing education for Alabama genetic counselors, funded by a new Genetic Counseling Fund in the state treasury.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the board to conduct regular meetings by electronic means (such as telephone or video) and counts electronic participation as presence toward quorum, following the Open Meetings Act. It authorizes the board to make grants to develop training and continuing education programs for licensed genetic counselors. It creates a Genetic Counseling Fund in the State Treasury to receive and disburse money for implementing this chapter, with funds used only as budgeted and approved by appropriations and vouchers.

Who It Affects
Licensed genetic counselors and trainees in Alabama, who could receive grants for training and continuing education and may participate in board meetings electronically.
The general public and patients in Alabama, who would have the opportunity to observe or listen to board meetings conducted electronically in line with the Open Meetings Act.

Key Provisions
Authorizes regular board meetings to be held electronically and counts electronic participation as presence for purposes of quorum.
Allows board participation by electronic means with in-person participation required only for disciplinary actions.
Creates a separate Genetic Counseling Fund in the State Treasury to hold receipts and pay for implementing the chapter, with disbursements by the Comptroller upon vouchers and only in budgeted amounts.
Authorizes the board to make grants and arrange with qualified entities to develop training and continuing education programs for genetic counselors.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: State Board of Genetic Counseling