The Risky Research Review Act creates a new independent federal agency, the Life Sciences Research Security Board, to review and approve federally funded life sciences research that could pose serious public health, safety, or national security risks, such as gain-of-function research or work involving dangerous pathogens. The nine-member board, appointed by the President and made up of nongovernmental scientists and national security experts, would have binding authority to approve or block federal agencies from funding "high-risk" research projects, and would also review other life sciences proposals as needed. Federal agencies must notify the board before awarding relevant funding, disclose ongoing research involving dangerous agents, and report any change in circumstances that turns approved research into high-risk research. The bill affects federal agencies that fund life sciences research, universities, and other research institutions receiving such funding, and it includes penalties for entities or employees who provide false attestations or fail to comply with reporting requirements. The law would authorize $30 million annually from fiscal years 2025 through 2034 to fund the board's operations, with most provisions taking effect within 180 to 270 days after enactment.
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