Bill > S3741

This bill, the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026, aims to enhance national security by improving the oversight of biotechnology, particularly concerning nucleic acid synthesis, which is the creation of DNA or RNA sequences. It defines "covered providers" as entities that synthesize and sell synthetic nucleic acids or produce and distribute equipment for synthesizing them. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with other agencies, establish regulations requiring these covered providers to implement screening protocols for "sequences of concern"—those that could be used to create dangerous pathogens—and to verify the identity and legitimacy of their customers. These regulations will include a system for updating a list of sequences of concern, a conformity assessment process with audits and potential revocation of status for non-compliance, and safeguards to avoid hindering innovation, such as expedited review for trusted institutions and exemptions for clearly non-hazardous materials. The bill also establishes a "biotechnology governance sandbox" to test innovations and foster collaboration on biosecurity, biosafety, and responsible innovation, and requires an assessment and plan to streamline existing biosecurity and biosafety authorities across the federal government to improve efficiency and address identified gaps. Importantly, any person receiving federal funds will be required to purchase nucleic acid synthesis products only from compliant covered providers, and violations of these screening requirements can result in significant civil penalties.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3741/all-info