Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act

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. NIST's work on this topic is ongoing.) In carrying out this effort, NIST must convene stakeholders to develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices for synthetic nucleic acid screening mechanisms. Within a specified period, NIST must submit a summary of the stakeholder group’s findings to Congress. NIST must also take steps to advance risk management best practices and technical standards for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including with respect to risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Passed one of the two chambers; it still needs the other.

House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology · U.S. House of Representatives

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• H.R. 9194, 118th CongressRelated bill in another Congress

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Jul 21, 2026

   Sent to the executive

   Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

   U.S. Senate

2. Jul 20, 2026

   Considered Under Suspension of the rules. (consideration: cr H4666-4667)

   Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)

3. Jul 20, 2026

   Considered Under Suspension of the rules. (consideration: cr H4666-4667)

   Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)

4. Jul 20, 2026

   Considered Under Suspension of the rules. (consideration: cr H4666-4667)

   Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)

5. Jul 20, 2026

   Debate - the House Proceeded With Forty Minutes of Debate on H.R. 3029.

   DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029.

   U.S. House of Representatives

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.