This bill creates a federal program to fund and support at least 12 regional laboratories across the country that are equipped to safely handle dangerous infectious diseases and biological threats. The government will give grants to these labs so they can conduct research, maintain the ability to quickly respond to disease outbreaks or bioterrorism attacks, and share their findings with other researchers and medical professionals.

The labs receiving funding must agree to regular inspections and oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services, and they have to report any accidents or safety incidents involving dangerous biological materials. The labs will also be part of a coordinated network where they work together to improve safety practices and avoid duplicating each other's work. A board made up of representatives from each funded lab will help guide how the program operates.

The bill sets aside $52 million per year for five years (2024-2028) to establish and maintain these laboratories. The government will also require regular reports to Congress about what research these labs are doing, what they've discovered, and how they're helping the country prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks. This is essentially an investment in America's ability to quickly detect and respond to dangerous biological threats, whether they occur naturally or intentionally.

Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Authorization Act of 2023

Casey, Robert P., Jr.

Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Authorization Act of 2023This bill provides statutory authority for a program through which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awards grants or other support for regional biocontainment laboratories. These are laboratories that are designed to safely conduct research on dangerous pathogens and toxins to address emerging infectious diseases and other biological threats.Additionally, HHS must establish a board consisting of grantee representatives to provide recommendations to (1) improve the quality and consistency of laboratory procedures and practices, and (2) coordinate federally funded activities carried out at the laboratories.&nbsp;