NIST to develop new screening standards for synthetic DNA orders
Passed one chamberH.R. 3029Latest action
Sponsor: Andrea Salinas · Representative · OR
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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NIST would get $5 million yearly through 2030 to build tools that screen synthetic DNA/RNA orders for bioweapon risks.
40-second read · 5 questions answered below
What 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
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 28, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jul 21, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.