Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Impact
The implications of SB 401 on state laws could be substantial, particularly regarding the oversight of research conducted by educational institutions. If an institution violates the provisions of the bill, it faces severe penalties, including the loss of state funds for the following fiscal year. This measure underscores the state's commitment to ensuring public safety and health by restricting research activities deemed high-risk without proper oversight.
Details
Additionally, the bill requires researchers to submit comprehensive reports to the Department of Health Services at least 90 days prior to commencing research on identified pathogens. These reports must detail the location, nature, funding, and public health implications of the research planned, creating an additional layer of accountability for institutions engaging in sensitive scientific work.
Summary
Senate Bill 401 aims to prohibit institutions of higher education in Wisconsin from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens. This prohibition is significant as it seeks to mitigate risks associated with research that could enhance the transmissibility or virulence of pathogens that may lead to pandemics. The bill defines 'gain of function research' and 'potentially pandemic pathogens' to include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that possess characteristics likely to contribute to widespread public health threats.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include debates over academic freedom versus public safety. Proponents argue that the regulation is necessary to prevent potential disasters that could arise from mismanaged research on high-risk pathogens. Conversely, critics may contend that such prohibitions could impede scientific progress and limit the development of important medical research, as they argue that the potential benefits of such research in controlling diseases could outweigh the risks.
Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act This bill prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research refers to any research that (1) could confer attributes to influenza, MERS, or SARS viruses such that the virus would have enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in an organism; or (2) involves methods that could enhance potential pandemic pathogens or related risky research with potentially dangerous pathogens.
Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Health: research; funding for the prohibition of pathogen enhancement engineering or research; provide for. Creates appropriation act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0620'23
Health: research; funding for the prohibition of pathogen enhancement engineering or research; provide for. Creates appropriation act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5263'23