Risky Research Review Act
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Bill details
Summary
Introduced in House
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.
District impact notes
The Risky Research Review Act establishes a board to oversee federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. • This policy could influence local research institutions that seek federal funding for projects involving potentially dangerous organisms or viruses. • Local public health agencies may need to adapt their practices in response to new safety controls and funding requirements established by the board. • There may be questions about how effectively the board can balance the need for innovative research with the potential risks associated with high-risk life sciences studies. AI-generated from official bill summary and plain-English note; verify with official text.
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