Protecting Biological Data as Critical Infrastructure Act
Adds CISA duties to protect genetic and other sensitive biometric data systems as critical infrastructure.
In the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 12 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Genetic and biometric data systems need protection from security threats. The bill would make systems holding this data part of CISA’s critical-infrastructure work and add duties for staffing, training, security coordination, and incident reporting.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Treat genetic data systems as critical infrastructure
CISA would be required to treat systems involving genomic sequences and other sensitive biometric data as critical infrastructure.
- Assign CISA oversight and staffing duties
CISA would oversee planning and coordination for securing those systems and ensure it has sufficient staff for that work. It would also take necessary actions to protect biological data and critical biotechnology infrastructure.
- Train federal personnel on data security
CISA would provide relevant federal personnel training on protecting these systems, including their distinct security challenges and ethical considerations.
- Coordinate with biotechnology stakeholders
CISA would consult biotechnology stakeholders and relevant federal agencies on security protocols, and facilitate coordination about emerging concerns, including the link between genetic sequence data and physical samples. It would also provide a secure way for stakeholders to report incidents, raise concerns, and request technical assistance.
The bill focuses on protecting systems containing genetic and sensitive biometric data, including security concerns where digital genetic sequences connect with physical samples. It would make this area an explicit part of CISA’s critical-infrastructure responsibilities and provide channels for stakeholders to report incidents and seek technical help.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026SENATESEP 24, 2026By Sen. Young with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 24, 2026HOMELAND SECURITY & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 12 daysNo hearing yet
- 12 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 12, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Sen. Young’s record: sponsored 65 bills this Congress. 10 passed the Senate; 0 became law.
- Maggie HassanD-NHORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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