Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and improve screening standards for synthetic DNA and RNA production, primarily affecting biotechnology companies and research labs that manufacture or purchase synthetic genetic material. It requires NIST to create technical standards, security protocols, and testing methods for screening potentially risky genetic sequences, including those involving artificial intelligence. NIST must convene a stakeholder consortium (including industry and academia) to set priorities and create implementation roadmaps, and submit a report to Congress within 18 months. The bill authorizes $5 million annually (2025-2029) for NIST to carry out these activities.