Bill · H.R. 8918· House(119-HR-8918)
BIO-SCALE Act
- Introduced
- 5/20/2026
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- James Baird
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the BIO-SCALE Act, aims to create technology maturation facilities for the bioindustrial sector. These facilities will focus on developing, testing, and scaling technologies like fermentation and biomass processing to prepare them for commercial use. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to establish at least three regional, nonprofit, and open-access facilities. The program seeks to position the United States as a leader in bioindustrial innovation and strengthen national security. Funding will be provided through planning and implementation grants to eligible entities. The authority for these facilities is set to expire 10 years after the act is passed, unless a facility shows successful performance.
Yes· 3 of 16
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
The bill explicitly prioritizes the inclusion of rural communities in the facility access and placement process.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill provides significant funding for the development and testing of new biotechnologies.
Is this likely to create jobs?+6
The bill seeks to increase local and regional job opportunities through the development of the bioindustrial sector.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Growth and Job Creation: The bill aims to increase local or regional job opportunities and economic growth through the development of new industries (Section 2(d)(5)(C)). It also seeks to enhance leadership in biotechnology through workforce development and job creation (Section 2(g)(3)).
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Support for Rural Communities: The Secretary is directed to give preference to proposals for facilities located in regions that need enhanced infrastructure, specifically highlighting rural areas (Section 2(e)(2)(B)(i)). Additionally, the Secretary must develop policies to ensure open access to facilities with a focus on including rural communities (Section 2(h)(3)).
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Open Access to Innovation: Facilities are required to be "open access," meaning their infrastructure, data, or research resources are available without intellectual property barriers and are accessible to both public and private entities on an equitable basis (Section 2(a)(5)).
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National Security and Leadership: The bill seeks to strengthen national security by accelerating the scaling up of emerging biotechnology processes (Section 2(g)(2)). It also aims to position the U.S. as a leader in bioindustrial innovation (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Intellectual Property Limitations for Federal Employees: Any intellectual property created by a Federal employee while performing their duties at a facility will be considered part of the public domain (Section 2(i)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Business Owners+5Good For Farmers+4Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Low Income Households+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+6Improves Economic Growth+5Improves Small Business Support+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+6Increases Renewable Energy Investment+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7Improves College Affordability+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+4Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1
- 10/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Nikki BudzinskiDemocrat · Illinois
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania