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HR7907119th CongressWALLET

AI-Ready Bio-Data Standards Act

Sponsored By: Representative Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

Introduced

Summary

AI-ready biological dataset standards would direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create definitions, standards, resources, and frameworks so biological datasets from qualified federally funded research are formatted and managed to be usable for training AI models and advancing biotechnology.

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  • Researchers who collect, clean, or generate biological datasets would follow NIST standards and use provided data-management and cybersecurity resources to make their data AI-ready. NIST would test the standards with the National Science Foundation on a sample of datasets within 2 years to check clarity and burden.
  • Federal departments and agencies that fund research could request NIST advice, enter agreements for assistance, and would implement the new rules through updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to align procurement and data plans.
  • NIST would inventory existing biotechnology standards and datasets and publish that inventory within 1 year, create a public repository for AI-ready datasets and standards, and convene an advisory group with at least 12 members to guide definitions and journal guidance.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

New procurement rules for biological data

If enacted, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council would revise the FAR as needed to reflect NIST's AI-ready data definitions and standards. Federal contractors and awardees that handle biological datasets could face new contract requirements and added compliance costs.

AI-ready biological data standards

If enacted, NIST would set standards so biological datasets from federally funded research are "AI-ready." NIST would define "AI-ready" and set rules not later than 2 years after enactment. The rules would apply to datasets from "qualified federally funded research" as the Director defines it. This could help researchers and AI developers but add technical work and compliance costs for research recipients.

Public database for AI-ready datasets

If enacted, NIST would create a central repository and a public single-point database for AI-ready biological datasets. Federal agencies could request NIST's help to use departmental datasets to train AI models, and agencies may provide resources or hire staff to support that assistance. Agency requests for help may be made not later than 2 years after enactment.

Advisory group for AI biological data

If enacted, NIST would set up an advisory group within 180 days. The group would have at least 12 members from government, academia, industry, and publishers. Members would serve two-year terms and must give an interim report to the Director within 1 year.

Inventory of biotechnology standards and datasets

If enacted, NIST would inventory existing biotechnology standards and existing biological datasets within 1 year after enactment. NIST would post the completed inventory on its website within 1 year after finishing the inventory.

NIST program ends after ten years

If enacted, the section's requirements would terminate 10 years after enactment. On that date, NIST and related agencies would no longer have the duties created by this section. This would end program support but also end ongoing regulatory obligations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

  • Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

  • Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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