Genome Editing Threat Assessment Act

To require the Department of Homeland Security to develop a threat assessment on the potential homeland security vulnerabilities associated with genome modification and editing, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Genome Editing Threat Assessment Act 2. Genome editing threat assessment (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of the Department, the Under Secretary for the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department, and other Federal partners, as appropriate, shall develop a threat assessment on the potential homeland security vulnerabilities associated with genome modification and editing. Such threat assessment shall include information relating to the following: (1) The dual-use of emerging biotechnology. (2) The ability of gene editing to maliciously proliferate infectious diseases and pandemics on human, animal, and plant populations. (3) The cybersecurity vulnerabilities in computer systems analyzing genomic data. (4) Privacy concerns associated with analyzing genomic data. (b) Recommendations Upon completion of the threat assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall make a determination if any changes to future operations of the Department of Homeland Security are required to address security vulnerabilities identified in such assessment. (c) Report Not later than 60 days after the completion of the threat assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with the protection of classified information, report to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the findings of such threat assessment, any identified recommendations, plans for incorporating such recommendations into future operations of the Department of Homeland Security, and any proposed legislative changes informed by such threat assessment.

Summary: Genome Editing Threat Assessment Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a threat assessment of the potential homeland security vulnerabilities associated with genome modification and editing. Such assessment shall include information relating to the dual-use of emerging biotechnology; the ability of gene editing to maliciously proliferate infectious diseases and pandemics on human, animal, and plant populations; the cybersecurity vulnerabilities in computer systems analyzing genomic data; and privacy concerns associated with analyzing genomic data. Upon completion of the assessment, DHS shall make a determination if any changes to future DHS operations are required to address security vulnerabilities identified in such assessment. DHS shall report to the congressional homeland security committees on the findings of such threat assessment, recommendations, plans for incorporating such recommendations into future DHS operations, and proposed legislative changes.