118th Congress · SENATE BILLBILL

S. 2356 — Gene Synthesis Safety and Security Act

“A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update guidance with respect to gene synthesis, and for other purposes.”

Health

Introduced Jul 18, 2023

Last action Jul 18, 2023

Pipeline · Bill → Law

Step 1

Introduced

Jul 18, 2023

Step 2

Referred

Jul 18, 2023

HELP

Step 3

Committee

Step 4

Senate

Step 5

House floor

Step 6

Resolve Changes

Step 7

Signed

SummaryCRS Summary

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to update guidance to address the potential misuse of gene synthesis products (i.e., manufactured genetic products) to obtain biological agents or toxins of concern. The guidance must include recommendations relating to screening protocols, recordkeeping, technological safeguards, and other specified information. HHS must evaluate the current landscape of gene synthesis manufacturers and related technology to inform the guidance. HHS must also solicit public input to develop a list of genetic sequences of concern.

Provisions · 2 sectionsIntroduced in Senate

Timeline · 2 actions

Jul 18, 2023

Introduced in Senate

Jul 18, 2023

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.