This bill would require the department of health to provide information about the testing program, and to obtain written consent from the parent or guardian acknowledging receiving information regarding the storage, retention, and use of the newborn child’s blood sample for medical research. The bill would prohibit any residual newborn screening specimen from being released to any person or entity for law enforcement purposes. The bill would authorize a parent or guardian of a minor child to consent to the storage of the residual blood sample and the use of the sample for research purposes prior to or at the time the sample is taken. Each year in California, newborns are screened for genetic conditions. Most parents do not understand that the information obtained during the testing process becomes the property of the state. The state makes these residual blood samples available to third party researchers without the consent of parents. Current Status: Passed the Senate Health Committee but for strategic reasons will be a two year bill. Call to Action: Reach out to your state Senator and Assemblymember and voice your position on this bill. Find your legislator here:  https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov About the Author, Aria Morgan Aria Morgan is a writer and advocate dedicated to civil liberties, medical freedom, and free speech. As Director of Content at Free Now Foundation (2024–2026) and former Managing Editor of Children’s Health Defense–CA (2021–2024), she helped shape investigative storytelling efforts advancing informed consent and individual rights. Aria bridges more than 30 years of embodied wellness practice and over 25 years of teaching with civic engagement. Her wellness work lives at DailyDowndog.com