H.R. 3029Passed one chamberAI & technology
NIST to develop new screening standards for synthetic DNA orders
Data as of July 23, 2026
NIST would get $5 million yearly through 2030 to build tools that screen synthetic DNA/RNA orders for bioweapon risks.AI-decoded40-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
AI-decodedWhat does this do?
The bill directs NIST to research and develop testing methods, best practices, and technical standards for screening custom-ordered synthetic DNA and RNA to catch dangerous sequences before production. It also requires NIST to address risks from AI used in biological engineering, and to convene industry, academic, and nonprofit stakeholders who must report shared priorities to Congress within 18 months of their first meeting.
Who does it affect?
This affects companies that synthesize DNA/RNA for customers, research institutions, biotechnology firms, and federal biosecurity agencies.
Why does it matter?
The screening standards are meant to reduce the risk that genetic synthesis technology is misused to create bioweapons or other biological threats, while research and medical use continues.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- $5 million per year
- Funded 2026 through 2030
- Goes to NIST
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
- Introduced:
- April 28, 2025
- Latest action:
- July 21, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Read the official bill on Congress.gov