What legislation places restrictions on who can possess select agents and provides criminal penalties for possession?

The legislation that imposes restrictions on possession of select agents and outlines criminal penalties for unauthorized possession is the Patriot Act. Enacted in response to the September 11 attacks, this Act includes provisions aimed at enhancing security measures in various sectors, including public health and safety. It specifically addresses the potential misuse of dangerous biological agents and toxins, thereby setting stringent controls over who may possess, use, or transfer these materials.

The Patriot Act gives federal authorities the ability to regulate select agents, providing a legal framework to prevent biological terrorism and ensure that only qualified individuals or institutions have access to these agents. It establishes penalties for violations, reflecting the serious nature of the potential risks associated with these materials.

Other options, such as Export Controls and ITAR, primarily focus on regulating the international transfer of sensitive technology and arms, while Deemed Exports pertains to the transfer of technology to foreign nationals within the United States. While these are important pieces of legislation related to security and trade, they do not specifically address the control of select agents in the same way that the Patriot Act does.