H.R. 3029 · Passed House · Science, Technology, Communications
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Andrea Salinas (D-OR)
What it does
- Direct NIST to conduct measurement research and develop technical standards for nucleic acid synthesis screening and biosecurity best practices.
- Require NIST to convene stakeholders from synthetic nucleic acid providers and related industries to develop and periodically update consensus priorities for screening mechanisms.
- Mandate NIST to address operational security, conformity assessment, and other specified topics related to nucleic acid synthesis in its standards development work.
Official summary
Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act This bill explicitly requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the development of best practices and technical standards for nucleic acid synthesis. Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information within cells. Nucleic acid synthesis is the process of designing and creating custom nucleic acids; it is used in the development of medications and agricultural products. However, this technology also poses a risk of misuse (e.g., the intentional or unintentional creation of dangerous biological agents). The bill requires NIST to carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of biosecurity best practices and technical standards related to nucleic acid synthesis. This effort must address specified topics including nucleic acid synthesis screening, operational security, and conformity assessment. (A 2023 executive order titled Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence directed NIST to develop and refine similar specifications and best practices for use by synthetic nucleic acid providers…
Latest action
Jul 21, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation