Bill · H.R. 10197· House(119-HR-10197)
Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act
- Introduced
- 8/31/2026
- Last activity
- 8/31/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- August Pfluger
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act, aims to improve the security of nucleic acid synthesis in interstate and foreign commerce. It requires covered entities that sell nucleic acids or synthesis equipment to set up protocols for verifying buyer identities and establishing their purchasing purposes. Businesses must identify high-risk sequences, create criteria to refuse suspicious sales, and notify the Secretary if a buyer poses a national security risk. The legislation also directs the Secretary to establish guidance, maintain a list of covered high-risk sequences, and report regularly to congressional committees. Additionally, the bill provides enforcement authority, including civil penalties and the right for businesses to cure alleged violations within thirty days.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+6
The bill expands the Secretary of Commerce's authority to inspect, investigate, and enforce compliance through civil actions.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates a public website for reports and a 'covered process' for public feedback and consultation.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+2
The bill provides a 'right to cure' mechanism before civil actions can be initiated.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill includes a preemption clause that restricts the ability of states to regulate these specific biosecurity requirements.
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Businesses face increased compliance costs, record-keeping requirements, and potential civil penalties.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced National Security and Public Safety: Section 2(a)(1) through Section 2(a)(5) require businesses to verify buyer identities, establish their purchase purposes, check sequences against a high-risk list, and notify the Secretary of high-risk threats. These provisions help ensure that dangerous biological materials do not easily fall into the wrong hands.
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Confidentiality Protections for the Public: Section 2(f)(3)(C) and Section 2(f)(3)(D) treat submissions regarding the sequence list as trade secrets exempt from disclosure, and allow submitters to request that their identifying information not be published. This protects everyday citizens and businesses from having their sensitive proprietary or personal data exposed to the public.
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Fair Opportunity to Fix Mistakes: Section 2(g)(2)(C) provides covered entities with a right to cure an alleged violation within thirty days of receiving written notice before the Secretary can initiate a civil action. This protects businesses from immediate punishment and gives them a fair chance to correct compliance errors.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burdens and Penalties: Section 2(g)(2)(B) authorizes civil penalties of up to $750,000 per violation for businesses that fail to comply with the new requirements. This heavy financial burden could strain companies operating in the biotechnology sector.
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Restrictions on State Laws: Section 2(i)(1) preempts states or political subdivisions from enforcing laws, rules, or standards covered by the requirements in subsection (a). This limits local and state governments from enacting their own unique regulations in this specific area.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+6Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Due Process+2Increase States Rights-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-4
- 8/31/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania