To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, would amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct measurement research supporting best practices and technical standards for biosecurity screening of synthetic nucleic acids. This includes improving the accuracy of screening tools, developing security practices for managing "sequence-of-concern" databases, creating technical implementation guidance, and establishing conformity-assessment standards. The bill also adds risk-management guidance for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks tied to artificial intelligence, to NIST's existing duties. It requires NIST to convene a consortium of industry, academic, nonprofit, and customer stakeholders to set consensus priorities and develop roadmaps, and to report findings to relevant House and Senate committees within 18 months of the consortium's first meeting. It authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for this work.
The bill primarily affects NIST, federal agencies involved in biosecurity, and organizations engaged in nucleic acid synthesis, gene sequencing, and biomanufacturing, such as biotechnology companies, universities, and screening-service providers. By strengthening technical standards and screening tools, it aims to help prevent misuse of synthetic DNA/RNA technology while supporting industry compliance.
The bill passed the House on July 20, 2026, by voice vote after being amended, and now moves to the Senate for consideration. It would need Senate passage and presidential signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official 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.
Timeline
20 Jul 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
29 Apr 2025
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3029 do?
- H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, would amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct measurement research supporting best practices and technical standards for biosecurity screening of synthetic nucleic acids. This includes improving the accuracy of screening tools, developing security practices for managing "sequence-of-concern" databases, creating technical implementation guidance, and establishing conformity-assessment standards. The bill also adds risk-management guidance for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks tied to artificial intelligence, to NIST's existing duties. It requires NIST to convene a consortium of industry, academic, nonprofit, and customer stakeholders to set consensus priorities and develop roadmaps, and to report findings to relevant House and Senate committees within 18 months of the consortium's first meeting. It authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for this work. The bill primarily affects NIST, federal agencies involved in biosecurity, and organizations engaged in nucleic acid synthesis, gene sequencing, and biomanufacturing, such as biotechnology companies, universities, and screening-service providers. By strengthening technical standards and screening tools, it aims to help prevent misuse of synthetic DNA/RNA technology while supporting industry compliance. The bill passed the House on July 20, 2026, by voice vote after being amended, and now moves to the Senate for consideration. It would need Senate passage and presidential signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 3029 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Jul 2026, H.R. 3029 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 3029?
- H.R. 3029 was sponsored by Rep. Andrea Salinas [D-OR6] (Democrat-OR), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3029?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (20 Jul 2026).
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