SCALE Biology Act

119th Congress Introduced by April McClain Delaney and 3 co-sponsors

The SCALE Biology Act aims to strengthen biology education and workforce development through improved curricula, teacher support, partnerships, and oversight.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 8981 (Session 119) – SCALE Biology Act

Purpose and intent

The SCALE Biology Act is designed to advance education and research in the life sciences by providing targeted support and oversight for biology education and related workforce development. The bill aims to enhance U.S. competitiveness in biology through improved training, curriculum development, and educational resources at various levels of schooling and affiliated institutions.

Key provisions and changes

Education focus: The bill emphasizes biology education across multiple levels, potentially including K–12, higher education, and credentialing pathways. It seeks to expand access to high-quality biology instruction and resources to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Workforce development: Provisions are oriented toward building a skilled biology workforce, including training programs, partnerships with higher education and industry, and potentially internship or fellowship opportunities designed to align skills with national needs.

Curriculum and materials: The act may authorize the creation, enhancement, or dissemination of biology curriculum materials, teacher professional development, and standards-aligned resources to improve student understanding of biology concepts, laboratory practices, and data literacy.

Partnerships and oversight: The bill contemplates collaboration among federal agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to implement biology education initiatives, with some form of reporting or accountability to ensure program effectiveness.

Funding and authorization: While specific dollar amounts are not provided in the summary, the act likely includes authorization of appropriations or funding mechanisms to support its initiatives, subject to subsequent appropriations.

Who or what would be affected

Students: Primary beneficiaries through improved biology education and greater access to STEM opportunities.

Teachers and educators: Enhanced professional development, better instructional materials, and supported classroom practices.

Higher education institutions and research centers: Potential partnerships and funding for curriculum development, teacher training, and student pipelines into biosciences.

Employers and industry partners: Improved alignment between training and workforce needs, including potential internship or co-op programs.

Federal education and science agencies: Roles in administration, coordination, and reporting to ensure program goals are met.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on May 21, 2026.

Next steps: Committee consideration would be required, potentially followed by amendments, floor consideration, and votes in the House. If advanced, the bill would move to the Senate for consideration and potential conference if differences arise between chambers.

Sponsorship: Primary sponsors include Jim Moylan, Zoe Lofgren, Jay Obernolte, and April McClain Delaney, with co-sponsorship indicating bipartisan or cross-cutting support.

Notes

Specific provisions, funding amounts, statutory text, and enacted timelines will become clearer upon committee markups and any amended language. This summary focuses on the bill’s stated aims to strengthen biology education, workforce development, and related collaboration and oversight.