S. 3127 would reauthorize the Select Agent Program by amending the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 and to improve oversight of high containment laboratories.

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
(Log inSelect Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 to editreauthorize appropriations for the wikiSelect Agent Program, which lists and becontrols biological agents and toxins that have the firstpotential to providepose a detailed summarysevere threat to public health and safety. Requires appropriate training of individuals handling or using such agents and toxins.

Includes the bill!)Department of Homeland Security (DHS) among the federal agencies limited in the disclosure of information related to listed agents or toxins.

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review and make recommendations for improving the Select Agent Program.

Sets forth additional factors that the Secretary must consider in determining whether to list an agent or toxin, including whether the agent or toxin is endemic to the United States.

Requires the Secretary to issue guidance on inventorying and monitoring listed biological agents.

Directs the Attorney General to issue guidance regarding the scope of the statutory definition of &quot;variola virus.&quot;

Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop guidelines for how laboratories and laboratory personnel that do not regularly test for listed agents and toxins may be rapidly accessed and utilized during emergencies; and (2) evaluate national needs of, and oversight of, high containment biological laboratories.

Provides for the development of minimum standards for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity training for relevant personnel of high containment biological laboratories.

Requires the Secretary to establish a Biological Laboratory Incident Reporting System.
</summary>

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== Status of the Legislation ==

<status>
Latest Major Action: 6/12/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
</status>

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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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