DNA and RNA sellers must check buyers and screen orders.
H.R. 10197 — Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act · Filed by August Pfluger (R-TX) · 1 cosponsor · Introduced Aug 31, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
Companies that make or sell DNA and RNA must verify who buys them. They must check orders against a federal list of risky orders. They must refuse to sell risky orders. They must report odd buyers to the Commerce Department. They must keep records for five years. The Commerce Secretary will publish the risky list and can fine companies up to $750,000 for breaking rules.
Who it affects
DNA and RNA makers and sellers must follow new screening rules. Buyers of DNA and RNA for medical or research work will go through checks. Makers of DNA equipment must also comply.
One thing to notice
The Commerce Secretary decides which orders are too risky to sell. The bill does not say courts can review that choice.
From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.
Where it stands
1 cosponsor: 1 Democrats.
- Aug 31, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
- Aug 31, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce”
Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.
Words to know
- DNA — the molecule that carries genetic rules for all living things
- RNA — a molecule like DNA that carries genetic rules in cells
- Commerce Secretary — the head of the U.S. Department of Commerce
How this was measured
Analysis — Quorum's AI read the bill text published by Congress.gov (18,348 characters) on Sep 5, 2026. Section numbers in the findings refer to that text, linked below; transparency and hidden-provision scores are compared against the median of 14,522 analysed bills.
Status and sponsors — Congress.gov's bill record — actions, committee referrals and cosponsors — loaded nightly. The timeline shows status changes, not every procedural action.
As of — page rendered 2026-09-22.
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