AI Accountability Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1694

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-05-14T19:00:35Z

AI-Generated Summary

Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act (H.R. 1694)

Purpose

The legislation aims to enhance accountability and transparency in artificial intelligence (AI) systems by directing the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information—head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)—to conduct studies, hold public meetings, and issue reports. It focuses on how AI is used in communications networks and broader societal impacts, without creating new regulations but recommending actions to build trust in AI.

Key Provisions

• Short Title (Section 1): The Act is titled the "Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act" or "AI Accountability Act."

• Study on Accountability Measures for AI Systems (Section 2):
• Requires the Assistant Secretary to analyze:
• How accountability measures (e.g., audits, assessments, or certifications to ensure trustworthiness) are integrated into AI used in communications networks (like telecom and social media), electromagnetic spectrum sharing (managing radio frequencies for wireless tech), and related applications.
• Ways these measures can help close the "digital divide" (gaps in access to digital tools and services) and promote digital inclusion (ensuring equitable access for all).
• Potential to reduce risks from AI, such as cybersecurity threats (protecting systems from hacks or data breaches).
• Definitions and uses of "trustworthy" AI, and its relation to terms like "responsible" (ethical and safe use) and "human-centric" (prioritizing human well-being over automation).
• Mandates public meetings to gather feedback from stakeholders on these topics.
• Requires a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 18 months of enactment, including study results, meeting feedback, and recommendations for government and private sector actions.
• Defines "accountability measure" as any tool (like an audit or certification) that verifies an AI system's trustworthiness.

• Availability of Information on AI Systems (Section 3):
• Directs public meetings with stakeholders (e.g., industry, academia, consumers) to discuss:
• What information about AI systems should be accessible to individuals, communities, businesses that use, are impacted by, or research AI.
• Best methods for sharing this information effectively.
• Requires a report to the same congressional committees within 18 months, summarizing feedback and providing recommendations on required information and dissemination methods.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new mandates for federal study and reporting on AI accountability, which do not amend prior laws but build on existing frameworks like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's role in digital policy. It creates no enforceable rules or penalties, focusing instead on informational and advisory outputs to inform future policy.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of Commerce (via NTIA) will need resources for studies, meetings, and reports, potentially influencing broader AI policy development across federal agencies.
• Citizens: Could indirectly benefit everyday users by promoting safer, more transparent AI in daily tools like social media and telecom, helping address inequities in digital access and reducing risks like privacy breaches.
• Businesses and Communities: Encourages better AI practices in communications, aiding small businesses and underserved areas in navigating AI technologies.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though recommendations could align U.S. AI standards with global norms, indirectly affecting tech trade and cooperation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Government: NTIA/Department of Commerce (leads implementation); congressional committees on Energy and Commerce and Commerce, Science, and Transportation (receive reports).
• Industry: Telecom companies, social media platforms, and AI developers (provide input and may adopt recommended practices).
• Academia and Researchers: Contribute expertise on AI trustworthiness and risks.
• Consumers and Communities: Individuals and groups affected by AI, especially in underserved areas, who gain from feedback opportunities and potential transparency improvements.
• Businesses: Entities interacting with AI systems, benefiting from clearer information and reduced risks.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes advisory processes without new regulatory authority, avoiding challenges to free speech or innovation; focuses on voluntary recommendations to foster self-regulation in AI.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts, as it involves standard executive study and reporting under Congress's commerce powers; public meetings enhance transparency without infringing rights.
• Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Harder, D-CA, and Rep. Kelly, D-IL) signals cross-party interest in AI governance; could shape future debates on tech regulation by highlighting gaps in accountability, potentially leading to broader legislation on AI ethics and equity.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-27: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (5 pages)