Biotechnology for All High School Students Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8268
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:06:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Biotechnology for All High School Students Act (H.R. 8268) aims to expand access to biotechnology education for secondary school students (typically grades 9-12) by funding programs, training teachers, and fostering partnerships. It seeks to build a skilled future workforce in biotechnology through formal and informal learning.
Key Provisions
- Grants and Awards: The National Science Foundation (NSF) Director, consulting with the Secretary of Education and a new consortium, can award competitive grants to eligible entities to create or expand biotechnology education programs.
- Allowed Uses of Funds:
- Teacher training in lab-based instruction, curriculum design, and teaching methods.
- Developing and sharing curricula and materials.
- Buying lab equipment.
- Building partnerships between colleges, businesses, and nonprofits.
- Creating portable credentials (like certificates) for students.
- Other related activities as determined by NSF.
- Priorities: Preference for areas with limited biotech education resources.
- Additional NSF Activities:
- Coordinate federal, state, and local efforts.
- Promote public-private collaborations.
- Share best practices.
- Offer teacher training outside grants.
- Provide access to curricula and digital tools.
- National Biotechnology Education Consortium:
- Established within 180 days of enactment.
- At least 6 members from federal agencies, schools, nonprofits, and biotech stakeholders.
- Advises NSF on programs; ends after 5 years.
- Definitions:
- Eligible entities: State/local education agencies, colleges/universities, nonprofits, or their consortia.
- Secondary school: As defined in federal education law (public/private high schools).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the CHIPS and Science Act (Public Law 117-167) by adding a new section (10311A) to Subtitle B of Title III.
- Inserts provisions for biotech education grants, consortium, and related activities into existing NSF authorization framework.
- Updates the law's table of contents for reference.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: NSF gains authority to fund and coordinate biotech education; Department of Education provides input. May increase administrative workload but no new mandatory spending specified (authorizes programs, subject to future appropriations).
- Citizens: High school students, especially in underserved areas, gain better access to biotech training, potentially improving job readiness in a growing field. Teachers receive professional development.
- International Relations: None directly addressed; focuses on domestic education.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Teachers: Primary beneficiaries through expanded education and training.
- Educational Institutions: State/local school districts, colleges, and nonprofits eligible for grants.
- Biotech Industry: Stakeholders join consortium and partner on programs.
- Federal Agencies: NSF leads implementation; Department of Education consulted.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Authorizes discretionary spending without specific funding amounts, typical for reauthorization bills—requires future Congress to appropriate money. Competitive, merit-based process ensures fairness.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federal spending power for education and science promotion (no state mandates).
- Political: Promotes STEM workforce development amid U.S. biotech competitiveness goals; bipartisan sponsors (Ms. McBride and Mr. McCormick); temporary consortium limits long-term bureaucracy. No controversial elements like mandates or privacy issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-04-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Biotechnology for All High School Students Act — issued 2026-04-14 — PDF (6 pages)