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119-s-2697119th CongressWALLET

National Biotechnology Safety Act

Sponsored By: Senator Young, Todd [R-IN]

Introduced

Summary

Establishes a new NSF program to fund research on environmental, human, and animal safety risks from organisms produced with biotechnology and to help shape clearer regulatory pathways. It also commissions a two‑phase National Academies study to compare biotech tools and products with conventional methods and recommend risk‑proportionate evaluation processes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

NSF program to study biotech safety

If enacted, the NSF Director would create a program to fund research on organisms made with biotechnology and their release to the environment. The program could get $50 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Universities, federal labs, nonprofits, companies, and consortia could receive grants, cooperative agreements, or temporary consortia awards. NSF would prioritize studies on unintended genetic effects, monitoring persistence (including gene drives), gene transfer, management practices to reduce risk, comparisons with non‑biotech organisms, and risks from AI convergence. NSF must consult USDA, FDA, EPA, and other agencies and may set project goals and deadlines to decide continued funding.

National Academies study on biotech safety

If enacted, NSF would hire the National Academies to run a two‑phase study on biotechnology safety and benefits. NSF must make the agreement within 90 days of enactment and the study would get $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026. Phase One must finish within one year and compare biotech tools to conventional methods and recommend risk‑proportionate frameworks. Phase Two must finish within two years and compare commercial biotech products to conventional products and recommend evaluation processes to speed review of low‑risk items. The Academies must report publicly and NSF must send Congress an implementation plan within 180 days after all reports.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Young, Todd [R-IN]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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