Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural progression from being engrossed in the House to being referred in the Senate, including updated legislative status information and the name of the House Clerk. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a new NIST program to develop and standardize biosecurity screening for synthetic nucleic acids, aiming to prevent misuse of biotechnology through collaborative industry and academic input.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to enhance biosecurity measures related to synthetic nucleic acids. It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop best practices and technical standards for screening nucleic acid synthesis, including improving testing accuracy, managing 'sequence-of-concern' databases, and providing implementation guidance. The bill also mandates NIST to convene a consortium of stakeholders to inform these efforts and authorizes $25 million in appropriations over five fiscal years for this program.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for national security and public health, as it proactively addresses the risks associated with the rapid advancements in synthetic biology. By establishing robust screening standards and fostering collaboration, it will prevent the malicious creation of dangerous biological agents while supporting responsible innovation in the biotechnology sector. They contend that standardized practices will provide clarity for industry and enhance global biosecurity.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that the new standards and screening requirements, if not carefully implemented, could impose significant compliance burdens and costs on biotechnology companies and academic researchers, potentially stifling innovation and slowing down legitimate scientific progress. Some might also raise questions about the practical challenges of securely managing 'sequence-of-concern' databases and ensuring that screening processes are both effective and do not inadvertently create barriers to beneficial research.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to understand its provisions and implications.
Section 2(1)
Expanding Risk Management Standards for Engineering Biology and Biomanufacturing
This provision amends an existing section of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to broaden NIST's mandate. It requires NIST to develop best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management in engineering biology and biomanufacturing, explicitly including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in these fields.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue this expansion is vital for proactively addressing emerging risks at the intersection of rapidly advancing technologies like AI and biotechnology, ensuring comprehensive safety and security frameworks.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that overly broad or premature inclusion of AI risks could lead to burdensome or ill-defined regulations that hinder innovation without clear benefits.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between fostering innovation in cutting-edge fields and establishing robust, forward-looking risk management protocols for potentially transformative technologies.
Section 2(3), inserting new subsection (b)
Directing NIST to Develop Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening Standards
This core provision directs NIST to carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis. This includes testing to improve screening accuracy, establishing security and access controls for 'sequence-of-concern' databases, providing technical implementation guidance, and developing conformity-assessment best practices.
Section 2(3), new subsection (b)(2)
Establishing a Stakeholder Consortium for Synthetic Nucleic Acid Screening
This provision mandates NIST to convene a consortium of diverse stakeholders, including representatives from industry, institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and customers. The consortium's purpose is to develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms, and to create roadmaps for NIST's research activities under this program.
Section 2(3), new subsection (b)(4)
Funding for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening Program
This provision authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, specifically for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to carry out the scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities related to nucleic acid synthesis screening as outlined in the new subsection (b).
Amends existing risk management guidelines to explicitly include risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in engineering biology and biomanufacturing.
Section 2(1)(D)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for updating existing statutory lists; it is not necessarily evasive, but its specific significance could be missed by a casual reader focusing on the main thrust of the bill.
Case for: Proponents argue that explicitly including AI risks ensures that future biosecurity frameworks are comprehensive and forward-looking, addressing emerging threats at the intersection of advanced technologies.
Case against: Critics might suggest that legislating specific AI risks at this stage could be premature, potentially leading to overly broad or ineffective standards without a clearer understanding of how these risks manifest in practice.
Estimated impact: Indirect, influencing the scope and focus of future NIST guidelines and industry best practices concerning the integration of AI in biotechnology.