For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms apply:
(a) “Gene synthesis equipment” means equipment needed to produce gene synthesis products that is not readily used for any other purpose.
(b) “Gene synthesis product” is double-stranded DNA (dsDNA),
double-stranded nucleic acids, RNA, or oligonucleotides, designed and created without an existing DNA template.
(c) (1) “Gene synthesis provider” means an entity that does any of the following:
(A) An entity that creates gene synthesis products for delivery to a customer.
(B) A distributor of gene synthesis products, including, but not limited to, entities who manufacture gene synthesis products for use by other parties, both inside
and outside of the entity.
(C) A third-party entity that is not the end user of a gene synthesis product and does not make gene synthesis products, but otherwise fills, completes, modifies, or purifies gene synthesis products.
(2) “Gene synthesis provider” does not include a research scientist making gene synthesis products for the research scientist’s own use or for use by another research scientist or an entity that manufactures gene synthesis products for the entity’s own use.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 179, Sec. 1. (AB 1963) Effective January 1, 2023.)
(a) The California State University shall, and the University of California is requested to, develop systemwide guidance for purchasing gene synthesis equipment or gene synthesis products from gene synthesis providers who prevent the misuse of synthetic genes and safeguard the benefits of gene synthesis technology while minimizing risk.
(b) The California State University shall, and the University of California is requested to, consider including International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) criteria in their guidance.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 179, Sec. 1. (AB 1963) Effective January 1, 2023.)