National Assembly for Wales

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill on Owain’s Law, named after Owain James of Caerphilly, who passed away from a brain tumour in 2024.

2. Notes that the purpose of this Bill would be to ensure that:

a) consent for the handling and storage of tumour tissue must be obtained from the patient, or next of kin where appropriate, prior to surgery;

i) the consent process shall include a clear written explanation of how excised tissue will be stored following surgery, and pathological and histological examination; and

ii) the consent will outline that all remaining tissue will be owned by the patient and only consent from the patient, or next of kin where appropriate, can determine its use;

b) the minimal amount of excised tumour tissue will be used for pathological and histological analysis, ensuring diagnostic accuracy;

c) the remaining excised tumour tissue must be flash or fresh frozen, at -80 degrees centigrade, without any chemicals or preservatives (including saline or paraffin). Tissue should be stored in multiple aliquots, where possible, to maximise the future use of tissue for various purposes; and

d) where emergency situations arise and consent is not possible prior to surgery, the same protocol for tissue storage must be followed and consent must be completed within 48 hours.