AI-Ready Bio-Data Standards Act
Sponsored By: Representative Khanna
Introduced
Summary
Make federally funded biological datasets AI-ready. This bill would direct NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) to create definitions, data standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and public tools so biological datasets can be used to train AI for biotechnology research.
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- Federally funded researchers would get NIST-backed standards and data-management resources to format datasets for AI use. NIST must publish an inventory within 1 year and run a test with NSF within 2 years to check clarity and burden.
- Federal agencies that fund research would get a central public repository and access to NIST assistance for data standards and management plans. The Federal Acquisition Regulation would be updated to align contracting with the new standards.
- The public, companies, and academia would gain a single access database of AI-ready biological datasets. The law would require reporting to Congress, a GAO impact review within 5 years, and the program would sunset after 10 years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
AI-ready data rules for researchers
This bill would require NIST to define "artificial intelligence-ready" biological data and to define which federally funded projects must follow those rules. NIST would publish an inventory of existing biotech standards and datasets within 1 year and finish core standards and resources not later than 2 years after enactment. NIST would set up a central repository and a public single-access database for AI-ready datasets and would test standards with the National Science Foundation within 2 years. Agency heads could ask NIST for help and may provide resources by agreement, and NIST may hire staff to carry out the work.
NIST reports to Congress and GAO
This bill would require NIST to send an interim report to Congress and the Comptroller General within 1 year after enactment and another report within 2 years, then annually or biennially as specified. The 2-year report would have testing results, how concerns were addressed, an assessment of burden on funding recipients, and a cost‑benefit analysis. The Comptroller General would report to Congress within 5 years on effectiveness, undue burden, and recommendations.
Program ends after ten years
This bill would terminate the program and its authorities 10 years after the date of enactment. All duties, repositories, advisory group authorities, and assistance arrangements under this section would expire on that date.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Khanna
CA • D
Cosponsors
Obernolte
CA • R
Sponsored 3/12/2026
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
PA • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov