Risky Research Review Act

Hozzl · 2025-03-25T14:49:45Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1864 Risky Research Review Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/25/2025, 2:49 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1864

Bill 119 HR 1864, also known as the Life Sciences Research Security Board Act, aims to amend title 31 of the United States Code to create a new entity called the Life Sciences Research Security Board. This board will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the security of life sciences research conducted in the United States.

The main purpose of this bill is to address potential security risks associated with advances in life sciences research, particularly in areas such as biotechnology, genetics, and biochemistry. The board will work to prevent the misuse of research findings for harmful purposes, such as bioterrorism or the creation of dangerous biological weapons.

In addition to establishing the Life Sciences Research Security Board, the bill also includes provisions for the board's composition, responsibilities, and funding. The board will consist of experts in the field of life sciences research, as well as representatives from relevant government agencies and departments. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 1864 is to enhance the security and oversight of life sciences research in the United States, in order to protect public safety and national security.

Congressional Summary of HR 1864

Risky Research Review Act

This bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee the award of federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. High-risk life sciences research means the study of an organism, virus, or related product that could be misapplied to pose a significant threat to the public or could enhance the transmissibility or virulence of certain high-risk pathogens (e.g., Ebola).

Specifically, the bill establishes the board as an independent agency that must review proposed high-risk life sciences research, determine whether a federal agency may award funding for the research, and determine minimum required controls for funded research. Entities that are seeking federal funding must attest to whether their research is high-risk life sciences research. Agencies must certify the validity of these attestations and submit proposed high-risk life sciences research to the board. Agencies must also notify the board of intended awards for other life sciences research for potential review.

In making its determinations, the board must consider specified factors, including whether the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. The bill prohibits agencies from awarding federal funding for high-risk life sciences research without approval of the board or for life sciences research currently under board review. The board may also review awards that were made before the bill’s enactment.

Entities that fail to properly attest to the nature of their research may lose their eligibility for funding. Additionally, agency employees who fail to comply with the bill's requirements are subject to disciplinary action.

Read the Full Bill

Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Current Status of Bill HR 1864

Bill HR 1864 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 5, 2025. Bill HR 1864 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 5, 2025. Bill HR 1864's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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. as of March 5, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1864

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1864

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1864

To amend title 31, United States Code, to establish the Life Sciences Research Security Board, and for other purposes.

Comments

Alma Stokes

407

8 months ago

This bill is so bad, it's gonna mess everything up for us. I can't believe they're even considering it. It's gonna make things so much worse for everyone. Did you know that this bill could impact our healthcare in a major way? It's just not right.