CA AB1966

Requires the State Department of Public Health to develop gene sequence and customer screening guidelines for gene synthesis providers and manufacturers of gene synthesis equipment by January 1, 2022, with the goal of increasing security and preventing misuse of gene synthesis products.

Mandates that guidelines include requirements for gene synthesis providers to identify orders containing dangerous pathogen sequences and subject flagged orders to human review and additional screening.

Requires the department to create a certification process for gene synthesis providers and manufacturers of gene synthesis equipment, with biennial compliance reviews beginning January 1, 2023.

Imposes a civil penalty of $1,000 per day for uncertified gene synthesis providers or manufacturers operating in California, and requires state-funded entities to purchase gene synthesis products and equipment only from certified providers beginning January 1, 2023.

Requires the department to establish an appeals process providing due process protections for providers penalized and entities subject to state resource revocation for noncompliance.