H.R. 3029 Passed the House Science, Technology, Communications

Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act

To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6] Introduced April 28, 2025 Cosponsors 3 (1 R, 2 D) Latest action July 21, 2026

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jul 21, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  2. Jul 20, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Jul 20, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666)
  4. Jul 20, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029.
  5. Jul 20, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)
  6. Jul 20, 2026 Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  7. Jul 16, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654.
  8. Jul 16, 2026 Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
  9. Apr 29, 2025 Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
  10. Apr 29, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  11. Apr 28, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
  12. Apr 28, 2025 Introduced in House

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