The bill amends the Public Health Code by adding a new section, 2670, which prohibits the conduct of pathogen enhancement engineering or research. Under this new provision, individuals found in violation of this prohibition would be guilty of a felony, facing penalties of up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

Additionally, the bill introduces a reward system for individuals who report violations of this law, offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the discovery of such conduct. The Department of Health is tasked with notifying employees at biological research facilities about this reward and providing educational materials related to the Biological Weapons Convention Treaty and relevant U.S. Code. The bill also defines "pathogen enhancement engineering or research" and clarifies the term "person" as it relates to the law.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211