H.R.3029 - Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, aims to enhance nucleic acid screening by amending the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. The bill directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct research and develop best practices for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis. This includes improving the accuracy and reliability of screening tools and establishing security protocols for managing sequence-of-concern databases.
The bill also mandates the creation of a consortium of stakeholders to develop consensus priorities and roadmaps for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening. Furthermore, it requires a report to Congress summarizing the consortium's findings within 18 months of its first meeting. The bill authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for NIST to carry out these activities.
Expected Effects
The implementation of H.R.3029 will likely lead to improved biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis. This will be achieved through the development of enhanced screening tools and standardized best practices. The establishment of a consortium and the required report to Congress will ensure ongoing evaluation and adaptation of these measures.
Ultimately, this bill aims to mitigate risks associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including those related to artificial intelligence. This could lead to a reduction in potential biosecurity threats and a more secure environment for research and development in related fields.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced biosecurity measures for nucleic acid synthesis.
- Improved accuracy and reliability of screening tools.
- Development of standardized best practices for managing sequence-of-concern databases.
- Collaboration between industry, academia, and government through the establishment of a consortium.
- Increased funding for research and development in biosecurity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulation and compliance costs for industries involved in nucleic acid synthesis.
- Risk of hindering innovation due to stricter screening processes.
- Possible delays in research and development activities due to enhanced security protocols.
- The effectiveness of the consortium and its recommendations may vary depending on stakeholder engagement and consensus.
- Limited scope of the bill, focusing primarily on nucleic acid synthesis screening.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts. By supporting research and development in biosecurity, the bill aims to enhance public safety and national security, which are legitimate governmental interests.
There are no apparent infringements on individual liberties or rights as the bill focuses on regulating research and development activities rather than restricting personal freedoms. The bill's focus on biosecurity also aligns with the government's responsibility to provide for the common defense, as outlined in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).