Risky Research Review Act

This bill creates an independent Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee federal funding for “high‑risk” life sciences research—work that could be misused to threaten public safety or make dangerous germs easier to spread or more deadly (for example, Ebola). The board must review proposed projects, decide if a federal agency may fund them, and set minimum safety and security controls for any funded work. Agencies cannot fund high‑risk projects without board approval, and they also can’t fund projects that are still under board review. The board may also look back at awards made before this law and review them. The Government Accountability Office will audit the board from time to time to check how it’s working .

Researchers and organizations seeking federal money must state whether their project is high‑risk. Agencies must verify those statements, send any high‑risk proposals to the board, and flag other life sciences awards for possible review. If an organization misstates the nature of its research, it can lose eligibility for federal funding. Agency employees who don’t follow these rules can face discipline .

• Who is affected: Universities, labs, companies, and other groups seeking federal life sciences research funding; federal agencies that award these funds .
• What changes: New board review and approval for high‑risk projects; required safety controls; required attestations and agency verification; possible review of past awards; penalties for noncompliance; periodic GAO audits of the board .
• When: Takes effect upon enactment; oversight and audits are ongoing .