BILL NUMBER: S9279A
SPONSOR: GIANARIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the operation of
gene synthesis providers and manufacturers of gene synthesis equipment
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
"To amend the public health law, in relation to the operation of gene
synthesis providers and manufacturers of gene synthesis equipment"
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Provides a short title: "Bioterrorism Prevention Act."
Section 2: Amends the public health law by adding article 32-B which
requires any gene synthesis provider or manufacturers of gene synthesis
equipment in the state to operate in accordance with rules and regu-
lations issued by the Department of Health.
Section 3: Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Gene synthesis describes the synthetic biology process utilized to
create artificial genes. This is most commonly done within a laboratory
setting, and recently, has been used widespread by large biotech corpo-
rations. Recent advancements in gene synthesis technology present both
great opportunities as well as great risks. New York currently lacks
even basic regulations to ensure gene synthesis technologies do not put
bioweapons in the hands of terrorists. For example, as the law currently
stands, gene synthesis producers do not even need to screen orders
against federal databases of dangerous individuals who pose a known
threat to the state. By requiring gene synthesis providers and manufac-
turers of gene synthesis equipment to act in accordance with Department
of Health regulations, developed in consideration of the International
Gene Synthesis Consortium protocols, this bill will address the poten-
tial catastrophic threat posed by New York's lack of gene synthesis
safety controls.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.