Artificial Intelligence Legislation Tracker
The rapid rise in interest in – and adoption of – artificial intelligence (“AI”) technology, including generative AI, has resulted in global demands for regulation and corresponding legislation. Microsoft, for one, has pushed for the development of “new law and regulations for highly capable AI foundation models” and the creation of a new agency in the United States to implement those new rules, as well as the establishment of licensing requirements in order for entities to operate the most powerful AI models. At the same time, Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-developer OpenAI, had called for “the creation of an agency that issues licenses for the development of large-scale A.I. models, safety regulations, and tests that A.I. models must pass before being released to the public,” among other things.
The United States has “trailed the globe on regulations in privacy, speech, and protections for children,” the New York Times reported recently in connection with calls for AI regulation. The paper’s Cecilia Kang noted that the U.S. is “also behind on A.I. regulations” given that “lawmakers in the European Union are set to introduce rules for the technology later this year” in the form of the Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (better known as the “AI Act”). Meanwhile, China currently has “the most comprehensive suite of AI regulations in the world, including its newly released draft measures for managing generative AI.”
What the U.S. has done to date is release non-binding guidance in the form of the AI Risk Management, the second draft of which was released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in August 2022. Intended for voluntary use, the AI Risk Management Framework aims to enable companies to “address risks in the design, development, use, and evaluation of AI products, services, and systems” in light of the “rapidly evolving” AI research and development standards landscape.
Shortly thereafter, in October 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy published the Blueprint for the Development, Use and Deployment of Automated Systems at the center of which are five principles that intended to minimize potential harm from AI systems. (Those five principles are: safe and effective systems; algorithmic discrimination protection; data privacy; notice and explanation; and human alternatives, consideration, and fallback.)
Despite such lags in regulation, a growing number of new AI-focused bills coming from lawmakers at the federal level are worth keeping an eye on. With that in mind, here is a running list of key domestic legislation that industry occupants should be aware of – and we will continue to track developments for each and update accordingly …
Sept. 12 – Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act
Bill: Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act (S.2770)
Introduced: Sept. 12, 2023
Introduced by/Sponsors: Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Snapshot: The bill would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit the distribution of deceptive AI-generated audio, images, or video relating to federal candidates in political ads or certain issue ads. The bill would allow federal candidates targeted by materially deceptive content to have that content taken down and enables them to seek damages in federal court.
What the sponsors are saying: “American democracy faces novel threats from deceptive content generated by artificial intelligence, and we must take action to defend our system of free and fair elections,” said Senator Coons. “Right now, we’re seeing AI used as a tool to influence our democracy. We need rules of the road in place to stop the use of fraudulent AI-generated content in campaign ads. Voters deserve nothing less than full transparency,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation would update our laws to prohibit these deceptive ads from being used to mislead voters no matter what party they belong to.”
Status: Sept. 12 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Sept. 12 – Advisory for AI-Generated Content Act
Bill: Advisory for AI-Generated Content Act (S.2765)
Introduced: Sept. 12, 2023
Introduced by/Sponsors: Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE)
Snapshot: The bill would make it unlawful for an AI-generating entity to create covered AI-generated material unless such material includes a watermark that meets the standards established by the FTC.
What the sponsors are saying:
Status: Sept. 12 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Aug. 18 – H.R.5230
Bill: H.R.5230
Introduced: Aug. 18, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2)
Snapshot: The bill would direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary enters into a contract for the calculation, using industry standard machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, the monthly rates of basic allowance for housing for certain military housing areas, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying:
Status: Aug. 18 – Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Aug. 8 – H.R.649
Bill: H.R.649
Introduced: Aug. 8, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13)
Snapshot: The bill calls on the United States to champion a regional artificial intelligence strategy in the Americas to foster inclusive artificial intelligence systems that combat biases within marginalized groups and promote social justice, economic well-being, and democratic values.
What the sponsors are saying:
Status: Aug. 8 – Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
Jul. 28 – Creating Resources for Every American To Experiment with Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023
Bill: Creating Resources for Every American To Experiment with Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023 (H.R.5077)
Introduced: Jul. 28, 2023
Sponsors: Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA-16), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Jay Obernolte (CA-23)
Snapshot: The CREATE AI Act establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) as a shared national research infrastructure that provides AI researchers and students from diverse backgrounds with greater access to the complex resources, data, and tools needed to develop safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence.
What the sponsors are saying: “AI offers incredible possibilities for our country, but access to the high-powered computational tools needed to conduct AI research is limited to only a few large technology companies. By establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), my bipartisan CREATE AI Act provides researchers from universities, nonprofits, and government with the powerful tools necessary to develop cutting-edge AI systems that are safe, ethical, transparent, and inclusive. Diversifying and expanding access to AI systems is crucial to maintain American leadership in frontier AI that will bolster our national security, enhance our economic competitiveness, and spur groundbreaking scientific research that benefits the public good,” said Rep. Eshoo.
Status: Jul. 28 – Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Jul. 27 – Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act of 2023
Bill: Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act of 2023 (S.2597)
Introduced: Jul. 27, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Snapshot: The Bill would would rein in Big Tech by establishing a new commission to regulate online platforms. The commission would have concurrent jurisdiction with FTC and DOJ, and would be responsible for overseeing and enforcing the new statutory provisions in the bill and implementing rules to promote competition, protect privacy, protect consumers, and strengthen our national security.
What the sponsors are saying: “The digital revolution provided new opportunities for promoting social interaction, starting businesses, and democratizing information. But digital advancement has a dark side. Today, a tiny number of Big Tech companies generate most of the world’s Internet traffic and effectively regulate Americans’ digital lives. Big Tech companies have far too much power — over our economy, our society, and our democracy. Tech monopolies suppress competition by buying up rivals, preferencing their own products, and charging hefty commissions to other businesses. To get ever more users and data, social media companies manipulate users to drive them to addiction. They target kids with content on self-harm, eating disorders, and bullying. And they leave consumers in the dark about how their data is collected or used, and fall prey to massive data leaks that leave us vulnerable to criminal activity, foreign interference, and disinformation,” Warren and Graham said in a joint statement.
Status: Jul. 27 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Jul. 27 – AI Labeling Act of 2023
Bill: AI Labeling Act of 2023 (S.2691)
Introduced: Jul. 27, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and John Kennedy (R-LA)
Snapshot: The Bill would require generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems to include a clear and conspicuous disclosure that identifies the content as AI-generated content and that is permanent or unable to be easily removed by subsequent users. The Bill also outlines obligations for developers and third-party licensees to implement procedures to prevent downstream use of AI systems without the required disclosure.
What the sponsors are saying:
Status: Jul. 27 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul. 27 – CREATE AI Act of 2023
Bill: CREATE AI Act of 2023 (S.2714)
Introduced: Jul. 27, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Todd Young (R-IN), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Snapshot: The bill would establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource as a shared national research infrastructure that provides AI researchers and students from diverse backgrounds with greater access to the complex resources, data, and tools needed to develop safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence.
What the sponsors are saying: “We know that AI will be enormously consequential. If we develop and deploy this technology responsibly, it can help us augment our human creativity and make major scientific advances, while also preparing American workers for the jobs of the future. If we don’t, it could threaten our national security, intellectual property, and civil rights,” said Sen. Heinrich. “The bipartisan CREATE AI Act will help us weigh these challenges and unleash American innovation by making the tools to conduct important research on this cutting-edge technology available to the best and brightest minds in our country. It will also help us prepare the future AI workforce, not just for Silicon Valley companies, but for the many industry sectors that will be transformed by AI. By truly democratizing and expanding access to AI systems, we can maintain our nation’s competitive lead while ensuring these rapid advancements are a benefit to our society and country — not a threat.”
Status: Jul. 27 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul. 26 – Artificial Intelligence Bug Bounty Act of 2023
Bill: Artificial Intelligence Bug Bounty Act of 2023 (S.2502)
Introduced: Jul. 26, 2023
Sponsors: Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Snapshot: The bill would require the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense to develop a bug bounty program relating to dual-use foundational artificial intelligence models. The text defines a “foundational” AI model as “an adaptive generative model that is trained on a broad set of unlabeled data sets that can be used for different tasks with minimal fine-tuning.”
What the sponsors are saying:
Status: Jul. 26 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Jul. 20 – Consumer Safety Technology Act
Bill: Consumer Safety Technology Act (H.R. 4814)
Introduced: Jul. 20, 2023
Sponsors: Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Brett Guthrie, (R-KY), and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.)
Snapshot: The bill would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, or identify products not meeting importation requirements; requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety; and directs the Department of Commerce and FTC to report on their efforts to address unfair or deceptive trade practices related to digital tokens.
What the sponsors are saying: “Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital tokens are playing a growing importance in our daily lives and are proving to be an economic driver for the 21st-century economy. It is critical that the U.S. acts as a global leader in these emerging technologies to ensure our democratic values remain at the forefront of this technological development. As a responsible global leader, the U.S. must strike the appropriate balance of providing an environment that fosters innovation while ensuring consumer protection,” said Rep. Soto.
“By directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to explore the application of artificial intelligence, this legislation would proactively track injury trends, identify hazards, and monitor recalls swiftly, ensuring timely interventions and improved safety standards for all,” said Rep. Burgess.
“For too long, Congress and regulators have struggled to keep up with new and emerging technologies – only stepping in after consumers are harmed. With the Act, we have the opportunity to flip that script,” said Rep. Trahan.
“The U.S. has been a global technology leader. It is crucial that we continue to lead in technological innovation and ensure we do not become reliant on foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to stay connected. The Act would authorize the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology to help us unleash its capabilities and protect consumers from fraud. As new technologies are quickly developed, it is critical we stay ahead of the curve by developing policies that allow our home-grown technologies to thrive domestically and globally,” said Rep. Guthrie.
Status: Jul. 20 – Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jul. 19 – Strategy for Public Health Preparedness & Response to AI Threats Act, and AI & Biosecurity Risk Assessment Act
Bills: Strategy for Public Health Preparedness & Response to AI Threats Act, and AI & Biosecurity Risk Assessment Act
Introduced: Jul. 19, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ted Budd (R-NC)
Snapshot: (1) The Strategy for Public Health Preparedness & Response to AI Threats Act proposes broader responsibilities for the Department of Health and Human Services, including requirement that the agency develop a plan focused on the risks that AI might pose to national health security. That strategy would eventually need to be submitted to members of Congress; and (2) the AI & Biosecurity Risk Assessment Act would charge the Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary for preparedness and response with evaluating whether and how more advanced forms of artificial intelligence could be used to develop various types of biosecurity threats, including, for example, chemical weapons and novel pathogens.
What the sponsors are saying: “As AI grows in power and influence, we may face the real prospect of AI-generated threats like biological or chemical weapons. The federal government must not be caught flat-footed on these threats and should begin to prepare now,” Sen. Budd said.
“The federal government has fallen behind before in addressing the grave risks posed by emerging technologies. We can’t make the same mistake with the technologies of our future. Either we prevent the risks now, or Americans will be left dealing with the consequences for decades to come. It is vital for us not only to understand the impacts of artificial intelligence on our health but to act with the urgency that this moment requires. Protection of the nation’s health security isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue. It is an issue of national security,” said Sen. Markey.
Status: Jul. 19 – Introduced to Senate.
Jul. 13 – Candidate Voice Fraud Prohibition Act
Bill: Candidate Voice Fraud Prohibition Act (H.R. 4611)
Introduced: Jul. 13, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
Snapshot: The bill would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit the distribution, with actual malice, of certain political communications that contain materially deceptive audio generated by artificial intelligence which impersonate a candidate’s voice and are intended to injure the candidate’s reputation or to deceive a voter into voting against the candidate, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying: “The prevalence of AI is constantly increasing in the daily lives of Americans, however, there are very few laws currently in place to limit this powerful technology and its use to replicate with impressive accuracy, the voice, facial expressions, and mannerisms of politically engaged individuals or those seeking elected office. Unchecked AI usage in political communications has the potential to lead to unprecedented manipulation and misinformation, limiting the ability of the public to decipher between facts and fiction in the political arena, while interfering with free and fair elections and the future of American democracy,” said Rep. Espaillat.
Status: Jul. 13 – Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Jul. 10 – AI Training Expansion Act of 2023
Bill: AI Training Expansion Act of 2023 (H.R. 4503)
Introduced: Jul. 10, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA)
Snapshot: The bill would mandate that supervisors, managers, and data and technology workers whose jobs are linked to the federal government’s use of AI systems adhere to certain training requirements to ensure they properly understand the technology they are using. It also updates the training guidelines outlined in the AI Training Act, which passed last Congress and was signed into law in October 2022.
What the sponsors are saying: “AI is going to change the way we live and we work, and we want to make sure that our federal workforce is prepared for the future and what that might hold,” said Rep. Mace.
Status: Jul. 10 – Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Jul. 6 – Jobs of the Future Act of 2023
Bill: Jobs of the Future Act of 2023 (H.R. 4498)
Introduced: Jul. 6, 2023
Sponsors: Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY).
Snapshot: The bill would authorize the Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation to work with private and public stakeholders to create a report analyzing the future growth of artificial intelligence and its impact on the American workforce. The study authorized by the bill would analyze: (1) Industries and occupations projected to have the most growth in AI use, and whether the technology is likely to result in the enhancement of workers’ capabilities or their replacement; (2) Opportunities for various stakeholders to influence the impact of AI on workers across various industries; (3) Which workforce demographics currently stand to be most affected by the proliferation of AI; (4) Skills, expertise, and education needed by workers to develop, operate, or work alongside AI; (5) Data required to evaluate the impact of AI on the U.S. workforce, and the availability of such data; (6) Methods by which these skills can effectively be delivered to the U.S. workforce; and (7) Potential for various academic institutions to disseminate necessary skills and training.
What the sponsors are saying: “As AI continues to grow rapidly, the Jobs of the Future Act will ensure we have information on industries projected to have the most growth, demographics affected by these changes, and more. In Central Florida, AI is increasingly being utilized in tourism, agriculture, aerospace, at Lake Nona’s Medical City, and at NeoCity for microchip manufacturing, so it is important for us to have this data. We hope the report generated as a result of our bill will help organizations identify opportunities for workers and prepare for the changes created by AI,” said Rep. Soto.
“As the Future of Work Caucus co-chair, I’m constantly looking at ways in which our world and our workforce is evolving. There’s no question that the development of artificial intelligence poses many challenges and opportunities, particularly when it comes to our economy,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “We, as lawmakers, have to come to the table with open eyes and relevant data to be able to make informed decisions. That’s why I’m thrilled to be introducing the Jobs of the Future Act of 2023 with my colleagues to help us gather that data. Working with the Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation, we can bring together public and private stakeholders, gather and channel important insights, and ultimately harness the power of AI to unleash the full potential of the American economy.”
Status: Jul. 6 – Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jun. 14 – A Bill to Waive Immunity Under S. 230 for Generative AI
Bill: A bill to waive immunity under S. 230 of the Communications Act for claims and charges related to generative AI (S.1993)
Introduced: Jun. 14, 2023
Sponsors: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Con.)
Snapshot: The legislation would amend Section 230 by adding a clause that strips immunity from AI companies in civil claims or criminal prosecutions involving the use or provision of generative AI.
What the sponsors are saying: “We can’t make the same mistakes with generative AI as we did with Big Tech on Section 230,” said Hawley. “When these new technologies harm innocent people, the companies must be held accountable. Victims deserve their day in court and this bipartisan proposal will make that a reality.”
“AI companies should be forced to take responsibility for business decisions as they’re developing products—without any Section 230 legal shield,” said Senator Blumenthal. “This legislation is the first step in our effort to write the rules of AI and establish safeguards as we enter this new era. AI platform accountability is a key principle of a framework for regulation that targets risk and protects the public.”
Status: Jun. 14 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun. 8 – Global Technology Leadership Act
Bill: Global Technology Leadership Act (S.1873)
Introduced: June 8, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.)
Snapshot: The legislation would establish an Office of Global Competition Analysis to assess how the United States fares in key emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI) – relative to other countries to inform U.S. policy and strengthen American competitiveness.
What the sponsors are saying: “We cannot afford to lose our competitive edge in strategic technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence to competitors like China,” said Sen. Bennet. “To defend our economic and national security and protect U.S. leadership in critical emerging technologies, we need to be able to take into account both classified and commercial information to fully assess where we stand. With that information, Congress can make smart decisions about where to invest and how to strengthen our competitiveness.”
“This legislation will better synchronize our national security community to ensure America wins the technological race against the Chinese Communist Party. There is no single federal agency evaluating American leadership in critical technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, despite their significance to our national security and economic prosperity. Our bill will help fill this gap,” said Sen. Young.
“Over the last few years, the U.S. has made significant investments in key sectors like semiconductor manufacturing. But as the U.S. works to out-innovate our global competitors, it’s crucial that we have a meaningful way to track how our progress stacks up against near-peers like China. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to create a centralized hub that’s responsible for keeping tabs on these developments, which are critical to our economic and national security,” said Sen. Warner.
Status: Jun. 8 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun. 7 – Transparent Automated Governance Act
Bill: Transparent Automated Governance (“TAG”) Act (S.1865)
Introduced: June 7, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and James Lankford (R-Okla).
Snapshot: The legislation would direct agencies to be transparent when using automated and augmented systems to interact with the public or make critical decisions, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying: “Artificial intelligence is already transforming how federal agencies are serving the public, but government must be more transparent with the public about when and how they are using these emerging technologies,” Peters said. “This bipartisan bill will ensure taxpayers know when they are interacting with certain federal AI systems and establishes a process for people to get answers about why these systems are making certain decisions.”
Status: Jun 7. – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Jun. 5 – AI Disclosure Act of 2023
Bill: AI Disclosure Act of 2023 (H.R.3831)
Introduced: June 5, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY)
Snapshot: The legislation would require all material generated by artificial intelligence technology to include the following – “DISCLAIMER: this output has been generated by artificial intelligence.” It would apply to videos, photos, text, audio, and/or any other AI generated material. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcement of violations, which could result in civil penalties.
What the sponsors are saying: “Artificial intelligence is the most revolutionary technology of our time. It has the potential to be a weapon of mass disinformation, dislocation, and destruction,” said Rep. Torres. “Carefully crafting a regulatory framework for managing the existential risks of AI will be one of the central challenges confronting Congress in the years and decades to come. There is danger in both under-regulating and over-regulating. The simplest place to start is disclosure. All generative AI should be required to disclose itself as AI. Disclosure is by no means a magic bullet, but it’s a common-sense starting point to what will surely be a long road toward federal regulation.”
Status: Jun. 5 – Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
May 16 – AI Shield for Kids Act
Bill: Artificial Intelligence Shield for Kids (ASK) Act (S.1626)
Introduced: May 16, 2023
Sponsors: Sen. Rick Scott (FL)
Snapshot: The legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to issue rules prohibiting entities from offering minor consumers artificial intelligence features in the products of those entities without parental consent, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying: “Artificial intelligence surely has productive uses, but it can also present grave threats, especially to our children. Today, as the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discusses the threats posed by AI, I am introducing my ASK Act to protect our kids and give parents the power to decide what their children are exposed to without paying ridiculous fees,” Sen. Scott said.
Status: May 16 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 16 – AI Accountability Act
Bill: AI Accountability Act (H.R.3369)
Introduced: May 16, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
Snapshot: The legislation would direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study and hold public meetings with respect to artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes.
Status: May 16 – Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
May 11 – AI Leadership Training Act
Bill: AI Leadership Training Act (S.1564)
Introduced: May 11, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.)
Snapshot: The legislation would require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish, or otherwise ensure the provision of, a training program on artificial intelligence for Federal management officials and supervisors, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying: “My bipartisan legislation will ensure supervisors and management officials have the resources to make informed decisions regarding AI technology and its use in the federal government,” Sen. Peters stated. Sen. Braun said: “In the past couple of years, we have seen unprecedented development and adoption of AI across industries. We must ensure that government leaders are trained to keep up with the advancements in AI and recognize the benefits and risks of this tool.”
Status: May 17 – Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
May 11 – Oversee Emerging Technology Act
Bill: Oversee Emerging Technology Act (S.1577)
Introduced: May 11, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)
Snapshot: The legislation would require U.S. government agency heads to appoint or designate a senior official tasked with advising on the responsible use of emerging technologies; charge the senior official with providing expertise on responsible policies and practices, collaborate with officials and coordinating bodies across the Federal government, and offer input for responsible procurement policies; and require agency heads to identify the official and provide a description of the official’s authorities and responsibilities to Congress.
What the sponsors are saying: “The federal government should lead by example to ensure its use of emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, aligns with our democratic values,” said Bennet. “This bill creates clear accountability across federal agencies, charging senior officials with overseeing the responsible adoption and development of new technology.”
Status: May 11 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
May 2 – Oversee Emerging Technology Act
Bill: REAL Political Advertisements Act (H.R.3044)
Introduced: May 2, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Snapshot: The legislation would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide further transparency and accountability for the use of content that is generated by artificial intelligence (generative AI) in political advertisements by requiring such advertisements to include a statement within the contents of the advertisements if generative AI was used to generate any image or video footage in the advertisements, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying: “The upcoming 2024 election cycle will be the first time in U.S. history where AI generated content will be used in political ads by campaigns, parties, and Super PACs. Unfortunately, our current laws have not kept pace with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies. If AI-generated content can manipulate and deceive people on a large scale, it can have devastating consequences for our national security and election security. It’s time we sound the alarm, and work to ensure our campaign finance laws keep pace with the innovation of new technologies,” said Rep. Clarke.
Status: May 2 – Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Apr. 28 – Assuring Safe, Secure, Ethical, and Stable Systems for AI Act
Bill: Assuring Safe, Secure, Ethical, and Stable Systems for AI (ASSESS AI) Act (S.1356)
Introduced: April 28, 2023
Sponsors: Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)
Snapshot: The legislation would establish a task force on organizational structure for artificial intelligence governance and oversight.
What the sponsors are saying: “As the deployment of AI accelerates, the federal government should lead by example to ensure it uses the technology responsibly,” said Bennet. “Americans deserve confidence that our government’s use of AI won’t violate their rights or undermine their privacy.”
Status: Apr. 28 – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Apr. 26 – Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act
Bill: Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023 (H.R.2894/S.1394)
Introduced: Apr. 26, 2023 in House & May 1, 2023 in Senate
Sponsors: Reps. Ken Buck (CO-04), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), and Don Beyer (VA-08) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
Snapshot: The legislation would prohibit the use of Federal funds to launch a nuclear weapon using an autonomous weapons system that is not subject to meaningful human control, and for other purposes.
What the sponsors are saying: “While U.S. military use of AI can be appropriate for enhancing national security purposes, use of AI for deploying nuclear weapons without a human chain of command and control is reckless, dangerous, and should be prohibited,” said Rep. Buck. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure that human beings, not machines, have the final say over the most critical and sensitive military decisions.”
“AI technology is developing at an extremely rapid pace,” said Representative Lieu. “While we all try to grapple with the pace at which AI is accelerating, the future of AI and its role in society remains unclear. It is our job as Members of Congress to have responsible foresight when it comes to protecting future generations from potentially devastating consequences. That’s why I’m pleased to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous AI Act, which will ensure that no matter what happens in the future, a human being has control over the employment of a nuclear weapon – not a robot. AI can never be a substitute for human judgment when it comes to launching nuclear weapons.” I’m grateful to Representatives Beyer and Buck and Senator Markey for their work on this important, forward-thinking legislation.”
“As we live in an increasingly digital age, we need to ensure that humans hold the power alone to command, control, and launch nuclear weapons – not robots,” said Senator Markey. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act. We need to keep humans in the loop on making life or death decisions to use deadly force, especially for our most dangerous weapons.”
Status: May 1 (Senate) – Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Apr. 26 (HR) – Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan. 9 – Healthy Technology Act of 2023
Bill: Healthy Technology Act of 2023 (H.R.206)
Introduced: Jan. 9, 2023
Sponsors: Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ)
Snapshot: The legislation would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify that artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies can qualify as a practitioner eligible to prescribe drugs if authorized by the State involved and approved, cleared, or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, and for other purposes.
Status: Jan. 20 – Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.