SCALE Biology Act
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
What this bill does
The SCALE Biology Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), within the Department of Commerce, to establish a "biometrology laboratory program" focused on measurement research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. NIST would be tasked with developing technical standards, tools, and methodologies for biological data and materials, supporting research into how DNA information converts into cellular function, and creating shared terminology for the field. The program would also fund user facilities, graduate training, an "engineering biology foundry," and coordination with other federal agencies, industry, and academic institutions. The bill authorizes funding rising from $55 million in fiscal year 2026 to $85 million in fiscal year 2030, and requires NIST to submit an implementation plan and, later, a public report on the program's progress.
The bill primarily affects NIST, federal agencies working on biotechnology policy, and stakeholders in the bioeconomy—including universities, biotech and biomanufacturing companies, nonprofit research organizations, and Tribal and state government labs—who could gain access to NIST facilities, standards development processes, and collaborative research opportunities. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing law, repealing a related section of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act and consolidating relevant definitions.
H.R. 8981 was introduced on May 21, 2026, by Rep. April McClain Delaney with bipartisan co-sponsors and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. On July 21, 2026, the committee voted by voice vote to report the bill favorably, in an amended form (a "nature of a substitute"). The bill would next need to be scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives before proceeding to the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on July 21, 2026.
Timeline
21 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8981 do?
- The SCALE Biology Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), within the Department of Commerce, to establish a "biometrology laboratory program" focused on measurement research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. NIST would be tasked with developing technical standards, tools, and methodologies for biological data and materials, supporting research into how DNA information converts into cellular function, and creating shared terminology for the field. The program would also fund user facilities, graduate training, an "engineering biology foundry," and coordination with other federal agencies, industry, and academic institutions. The bill authorizes funding rising from $55 million in fiscal year 2026 to $85 million in fiscal year 2030, and requires NIST to submit an implementation plan and, later, a public report on the program's progress. The bill primarily affects NIST, federal agencies working on biotechnology policy, and stakeholders in the bioeconomy—including universities, biotech and biomanufacturing companies, nonprofit research organizations, and Tribal and state government labs—who could gain access to NIST facilities, standards development processes, and collaborative research opportunities. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing law, repealing a related section of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act and consolidating relevant definitions. H.R. 8981 was introduced on May 21, 2026, by Rep. April McClain Delaney with bipartisan co-sponsors and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. On July 21, 2026, the committee voted by voice vote to report the bill favorably, in an amended form (a "nature of a substitute"). The bill would next need to be scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives before proceeding to the Senate.
- Has H.R. 8981 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2026, H.R. 8981 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8981?
- H.R. 8981 was sponsored by Rep. April McClain Delaney [D-MD6] (Democrat-MD), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8981?
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote. (21 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Science, Technology, Communications
Open-Source AI Leadership Act
AI for Secure Networks Act
Memory Chip Competitiveness Assessment Act of 2026
ITS Codification Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.