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Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2024
5/7/2024, 2:52 PM
Summary of Bill HR 8065
The key provisions of the bill include increased funding for law enforcement agencies to investigate and shut down illegal drug laboratories, as well as enhanced penalties for individuals found to be operating or supporting these operations. The bill also calls for the establishment of a national task force dedicated to combating illegal drug production and distribution, with a focus on preventing the spread of dangerous substances into communities.
Additionally, the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2024 includes measures to improve coordination between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing the issue of illegal drug laboratories. This includes the development of a national database to track and monitor illegal drug production activities, as well as increased training and resources for law enforcement personnel involved in combating this problem. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen efforts to prevent the operation of illegal drug laboratories and protect the public from the dangers associated with these operations. By providing additional funding, resources, and coordination mechanisms, the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2024 aims to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to address this critical issue and safeguard the well-being of communities across the country.
Congressional Summary of HR 8065
Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2024
This bill requires sellers of highly infectious agents to maintain a logbook of sales and requires a designated official to evaluate high-containment laboratories. Sellers of highly infectious agents must maintain an electronic list, or logbook, with specific information on each sale. Sales are prohibited unless the prospective purchaser provides identification and signs the logbook. A purchaser that falsifies a logbook may be subject to criminal penalties. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response must administer the logbook program and maintain a list of all highly infectious agents.
In addition, a federal official, designated by the National Security Advisor, must oversee a periodic strategic evaluation of high-containment laboratories in the United States. Each strategic evaluation must include an assessment and national standards, developed by the designated official, for the development and operation of high-containment laboratories. The designated official must maintain a team to serve as the federal government’s primary point of contact for state and local agencies on issues relating to laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
