SCALE Biology Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
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
Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology Act or the SCALE Biology Act
This bill establishes a biometrology laboratory program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and expands NIST’s role in related research and support activities.
Biometrology applies the science of measurement to the study of living organisms. Biometrology is used in many disciplines, including biomanufacturing, engineering biology, and biotechnology. Current law requires NIST to support biometrology research and related activities.
The bill directs NIST to establish a biometrology laboratory program to enable innovation, improve biological data, and support the safe and responsible development and application of biological technologies.
The bill expands NIST’s existing biometrology-related activities to include
• establishing common terminology and definitions related to engineering biology, biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and the bioeconomy;
• supporting external research that advances biometrology and related disciplines; and
• identifying areas where technical standards and other governance mechanisms are needed.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8981. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8981?
- H.R. 8981 was sponsored by Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6] (D-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
Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026
Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
Mystic Alerts Act
Bots Research Act
More bills from Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
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.