diff --git a/test/unit/data/model/db/test_misc.py b/test/unit/data/model/db/test_misc.py
index 9a4e5b230168..b8ef3fe5cf0c 100644
--- a/test/unit/data/model/db/test_misc.py
+++ b/test/unit/data/model/db/test_misc.py
@@ -11,6 +11,34 @@
 )
 
 
+def test_history_update(make_history, make_hda, session):
+    """
+    Verify the following behavior:
+    - history updated due to hda insert
+    - history updated due to hda update
+    - history NOT updated when hda copied
+    """
+    h1 = make_history()
+    old_update_time = h1.update_time
+
+    hda = make_hda(history=h1, create_dataset=True, sa_session=session)
+    # history updated due to hda insert
+    assert h1.update_time > old_update_time
+
+    old_update_time = h1.update_time
+    hda.name = "new name"
+    session.add(hda)
+    session.commit()
+    # history updated due to hda update
+    assert h1.update_time > old_update_time
+
+    old_update_time = h1.update_time
+    hda2 = hda.copy()
+    assert hda2
+    # history NOT updated when hda copied
+    assert h1.update_time == old_update_time
+
+
 def test_ratings(
     make_user,
     make_stored_workflow,