Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3679
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act aims to support small businesses in adopting and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create and share accessible resources. This legislation seeks to bridge knowledge gaps for small businesses, fostering innovation and competitiveness without imposing mandatory requirements.
Key Provisions
- Resource Development: NIST's Director must develop or identify resources on AI tailored for small businesses (defined under the Small Business Act as independent businesses with fewer than 500 employees). These may include technical standards (guidelines for technology performance), best practices (recommended methods), benchmarks (standards for measuring success), methodologies (step-by-step approaches), procedures, or processes to help understand, adopt, or integrate AI.
- Resource Requirements:
- Applicable to a broad range of small businesses.
- Promote basic understanding, identification of suitable AI uses, and proper implementation.
- Feature case studies from various business sizes and types.
- Remain technology-neutral (not favoring specific tools) and focused on accessible, small-business-friendly technologies.
- Align with international voluntary standards and the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (which promotes technology transfer from federal labs to the private sector).
- Reference existing federal resources, such as NIST's risk management frameworks for AI, privacy, cybersecurity, and the national cybersecurity awareness program.
- Review and Updates: NIST must review and update these resources every two years, starting two years after enactment.
- Dissemination: NIST will coordinate with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to distribute resources through SBA's network of partners (e.g., local counseling centers). Use of resources is voluntary.
- Reporting: Within four years of enactment, NIST must submit a report to relevant congressional committees (House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation). The report will list resources and updates, include feedback from users and distributors, and offer recommendations for further congressional action to aid small business AI adoption.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act amends Section 22A of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278h-1), which already authorizes NIST to provide AI-related guidance. It introduces a new subsection (h) specifically targeting small businesses, redesignating the prior subsection (h) as (i). This expands NIST's role from general AI support to focused, small-business-oriented resources, integrating with SBA for broader outreach. No other major alterations to existing law are made; the changes build on current frameworks for voluntary, standards-based assistance.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: NIST will gain responsibilities for resource creation, updates, and reporting, potentially requiring additional funding (subject to appropriations). SBA will assist in distribution, enhancing inter-agency collaboration on small business support. This could streamline federal efforts to promote AI without creating new regulatory burdens.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Small businesses may benefit from free, practical AI guidance, enabling easier adoption of tools like automation or data analysis to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Larger businesses and the public could indirectly gain from a more innovative economy, though impacts on international relations are minimal and limited to alignment with global standards.
- Broader Economic Effects: By lowering barriers to AI for small firms (which employ nearly half of U.S. workers), the act could boost productivity and job creation, particularly in underserved sectors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Small Businesses: Primary beneficiaries, gaining tools to explore AI without high costs or expertise.
- NIST and SBA: Key implementers, with NIST leading development and SBA handling outreach.
- Congressional Committees: Recipients of reports, influencing future policy on AI and small business support.
- Technology Providers and Standards Bodies: Indirectly involved through referenced international standards and federal frameworks.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The provisions emphasize voluntary participation, avoiding mandates that could raise compliance issues. Alignment with existing laws (e.g., Stevenson-Wydler Act) ensures consistency, reducing litigation risks. Resources must be technology-neutral to prevent favoritism toward specific vendors.
- Constitutional: No direct implications, as the act falls under Congress's commerce clause authority to regulate interstate commerce and promote innovation. It respects federalism by not encroaching on state roles.
- Political: This bipartisan-friendly measure (passed by the House in 2026) highlights growing focus on AI equity, potentially setting a precedent for targeted tech support in economic policy. The reporting requirement allows Congress to monitor effectiveness, informing future legislation without partisan overtones.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-02-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-02-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2244)
- 2026-02-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2244)
- 2026-02-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3679.
- 2026-02-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2244-2245)
- 2026-02-23: Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-02-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 429.
- 2026-02-20: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-503.
- 2026-02-20: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-503.
- 2025-06-11: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
- 2025-06-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-06-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act — issued 2026-02-23 — PDF (6 pages)
- Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act — issued 2025-06-03 — PDF (5 pages)
- Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act — issued 2026-02-24 — PDF (5 pages)
- Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (8 pages)