Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill requires companies that sell synthetic DNA or DNA-making machines to screen every order. They must check if the DNA sequences being ordered match a list of 'sequences of concern' that could be used to create dangerous viruses or bacteria.
• The policy affects biotechnology companies, researchers, and universities. Any person or group receiving federal funding would be banned from buying synthetic DNA from companies that do not follow these new security rules.
• As DNA technology gets cheaper and faster, there is a growing risk that bad actors could order the building blocks for a new pandemic. This policy aims to replace voluntary guidelines with mandatory rules to make sure no one can secretly buy the parts for a bioweapon.
• The government would use 'red-teaming'—sending fake suspicious orders—to test if companies are actually doing the screening. Companies that fail to follow the rules could face fines of up to $750,000 per violation.
• To keep from slowing down legitimate science, the bill allows for 'fast-track' reviews for trusted institutions like universities. It also creates a 'sandbox' where new security tools can be tested without stopping regular research.