H.R. 8881: SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act of 2026

This bill, known as the SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act of 2026, aims to amend the Small Business Act to establish specific reporting requirements regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Key Provisions

• Reporting Requirement: The Administrator of the SBA would be required to submit a report within 90 days of the bill's enactment, and then annually thereafter. This report must cover the following aspects:
  • The ways in which AI and machine learning are utilized by the SBA.
  • The benefits and risks associated with this technology in its operations.
  • Measures that can be taken to identify, evaluate, and manage both the benefits and risks of using AI and machine learning.
• Human Involvement in Decisions: The report should also include strategies for maintaining human oversight in significant decisions that involve AI or machine learning recommendations.
• Task Identification: The Administrator will evaluate which tasks can be effectively managed by AI or machine learning to improve operations, productivity, or customer service, and which tasks should remain human-driven.
• Appropriate Tools: The report should address how to determine the suitability of specific AI or machine learning tools for various tasks or functions.
• Needs Assessment: The Administrator must assess whether any proposed AI or machine learning tools meet the needs of the SBA adequately before adopting them.
• Briefing Requirement: Following each report, the Administrator must provide a briefing to the relevant congressional committees within 30 days.
• Definitions: The bill clarifies that the terms "artificial intelligence" and "machine learning" will be defined in accordance with existing legislation from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Impact on the Small Business Administration

The bill emphasizes the importance of ethically and effectively integrating AI and machine learning into the SBA's operations. It aims to enhance understanding of the technologies' applications while ensuring that human judgment remains integral in decision-making processes.

Relevant Companies

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