H.R. 9323: Department of Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Act

This bill would create a new federal executive department called the Department of Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence, led by a Senate-confirmed Secretary. The new department would be responsible for coordinating how the federal government uses artificial intelligence and for helping update federal rules to reflect AI and advanced technology.

What the new department would do

• Set a federal AI strategy: It would develop a government-wide approach so federal agencies use AI in a more consistent way.
• Update federal law and policy: It would work on a framework to revise existing federal statutes as needed to address AI and related technologies.
• Research and infrastructure: It could fund and conduct research, and manage infrastructure related to AI use by federal agencies.
• Safety and oversight standards: It would develop standards and guidance for AI safety and oversight in government use.
• Incident reporting: It would create systems for reporting AI-related cybersecurity risks and breaches.
• Regulatory authority: It would develop frameworks for the department to issue regulations on AI use.
• Education and workforce planning: It would develop strategies to promote AI literacy in schools and AI-related workforce programs.
• Worker protections: It would also look at how to address job displacement caused by AI and coordinate worker protections.

Required government review

The bill would require the Comptroller General of the United States, through the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. That report would review:

• AI-related regulations and programs already in place across federal agencies
• Whether those programs duplicate each other
• How agencies are coordinating AI standards and policies
• Possible recommendations for reducing duplication and improving coordination
• How the new department should be structured, staffed, funded, and led
• What legislative changes may be needed, including protections for consumers, workers, privacy, safety, deepfakes, and misinformation
• Safeguards for data privacy and cybersecurity
• Ways to report AI-related cybersecurity incidents and prevent breaches
• An assessment of relevant federal statutes and executive orders related to AI

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would create a new cabinet-level-style department focused on AI and advanced technology, give it authority to coordinate federal AI policy, and direct it to study how AI should be regulated, secured, and integrated into schools, workplaces, and government operations.

Relevant Companies

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