This legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish comprehensive regulations aimed at improving nucleic acid synthesis security within one year. These regulations will require "covered providers"—those who synthesize and sell synthetic nucleic acids or related equipment—to implement stringent screening protocols. Key provisions include screening for a regularly updated list of "sequences of concern" and verifying the identity and legitimacy of customers, with a focus on mitigating the misuse of sequences capable of creating pathogens with pandemic potential.

The regulatory framework also mandates a conformity assessment system, including auditing and adversarial testing, to ensure provider compliance, with civil penalties for violations. To balance security with innovation, the regulations include safeguards such as expedited review for legitimate institutional customers and exemptions for clearly non-hazardous sequences. Additionally, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology will establish a biotechnology governance sandbox to securely test biosecurity innovations and foster expert participation in developing governance strategies.

Furthermore, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy is tasked with assessing and developing an implementation plan to streamline federal biosecurity and biosafety authorities. This assessment will identify existing authorities, gaps, and overlaps across agencies, engaging industry and academia to improve oversight effectiveness and efficiency. The Director will report findings and recommendations to Congress, including potential legislative or administrative actions to consolidate authorities and address emerging risks in biotechnology.