Sponsors (4)
Ask me how I read this bill.
This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Creates a NIST-led program to develop measurement research, technical standards, and best practices for engineering biology and nucleic acid synthesis screening. It directs NIST to convene a stakeholder consortium, perform measurement research, and deliver a report within 18 months of the consortium's first meeting. Authorizes $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to support the work and makes small technical edits to existing statutory language. The aim is to improve screening tools, standardize practices, and strengthen measurement capabilities related to synthetic biology and nucleic acid synthesis.
Amend Section 10221 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18931; Public Law 117–167).
In subsection (a)(1), in subparagraph (C), strike after the semicolon (text edit to existing subparagraph).
Redesignate existing subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E) (technical redesignation).
Insert a new subparagraph (D) in subsection (a)(1) requiring best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
Redesignate subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively (technical redesignation).
Federal agency impact: NIST will lead new measurement research, run a stakeholder consortium, and produce a report; the agency will receive an authorized budget boost for 2026–2030. Research and standards community: universities, national labs, standards organizations, and consortia will be asked to participate and may receive research partnerships or contracts. Industry impact: companies that develop or use nucleic acid synthesis tools (manufacturers, synthesis providers, and synthetic biology firms) will be affected by new voluntary standards and screening best practices; improved measurement and standards may change procurement, validation, and quality-assurance practices. Biosecurity and public health: improved screening tools and agreed-upon standards could reduce biosafety and biosecurity risks by making it easier to detect risky sequences and harmonize screening approaches. Timing and funding: the program is short-to-medium term (report due 18 months after consortium start; funding authorized through 2030). Regulatory effects: the legislation focuses on research and voluntary standards rather than imposing direct regulatory mandates on states or private actors.
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced April 28, 2025 by Andrea Salinas · Last progress April 28, 2025
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House