National Biotechnology Safety Act

This bill would fund research to make sure biotech products—like modified plants, animals, or microbes—are safe for people, animals, and the environment. It tells the National Science Foundation to set up a program that gives grants to universities, nonprofits, labs, and companies to study risks, track how engineered organisms spread, compare them to similar non-engineered products, and look at new issues like biotech combined with AI . The program would work closely with USDA, FDA, and EPA so the research helps make clear, science-based rules. It authorizes $50 million each year from 2026 through 2030 for this work .

It also calls for a two-part study by the National Academies to review the safety and benefits of biotech tools and products, make recommendations, and share public reports. Phase one is due within a year of the agreement; phase two within two years. After the reports, the government must submit a plan to close research gaps. There is $1.5 million authorized in 2026 for this study effort .

• Who is affected: researchers, universities, nonprofits, labs, and companies working with biotech; federal regulators; communities where biotech products may be used or tested .
• What changes: new NSF funding program focused on safety studies; closer coordination with USDA, FDA, and EPA; public National Academies reports and a federal plan to act on findings .
• When: research funding authorized for fiscal years 2026–2030; National Academies study starts within 90 days of enactment, with reports due at one and two years; implementation plan due 180 days after the final report .