Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7110
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-11T17:25:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026 aims to address potential biases, discrimination, and other harms caused by algorithms (automated computational processes like artificial intelligence or machine learning) used by federal agencies. It requires these agencies to establish dedicated civil rights offices to monitor and mitigate such issues, particularly those affecting protected characteristics such as race, sex, disability, or age.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- Agency: Refers to any federal executive department or independent agency, as defined in existing U.S. law (44 U.S.C. § 3502).
- Covered agency: Any federal agency that uses, funds, develops, procures, oversees, regulates, or advises on covered algorithms.
- Covered algorithm: A computational process (e.g., using machine learning or AI) that could significantly impact access to government programs, regulated economic opportunities, or federally protected rights.
- Protected characteristic: A broad range of traits including race, ethnicity, sex (encompassing sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, and others safeguarded by federal anti-discrimination laws.
- Establishment of Civil Rights Offices:
- Each covered agency must create or designate an office of civil rights staffed with experts and technologists specializing in algorithmic bias, discrimination, and related harms tied to protected characteristics.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Within one year of enactment, and every two years thereafter, each office must submit reports to relevant congressional committees detailing:
- The current state of algorithmic technology within the agency's scope, including risks of bias or discrimination.
- Steps taken by the agency to reduce these harms.
- Engagement with stakeholders such as civil rights groups, industry, academics, workers' organizations, and affected communities.
- Recommendations for new laws or agency actions to address algorithmic harms.
- Interagency Working Group:
- The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division must establish a working group within one year, including representatives from all covered agencies' civil rights offices, to coordinate efforts on algorithmic civil rights issues.
- Funding:
- Authorizes necessary appropriations to covered agencies to implement the Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This legislation introduces a new mandate for federal agencies to proactively address algorithmic bias through dedicated offices and regular reporting, which does not exist in current U.S. law.
- It expands civil rights oversight to include emerging technologies like AI, building on existing anti-discrimination frameworks (e.g., Civil Rights Act of 1964) by applying them to automated systems.
- No amendments to prior statutes are specified; instead, it creates standalone requirements without repealing or modifying existing regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Covered agencies will face new administrative burdens, including hiring specialists, producing biennial reports, and participating in interagency coordination, potentially increasing operational costs but improving accountability in AI use.
- On Citizens: Individuals and communities with protected characteristics may benefit from reduced discrimination in government services (e.g., benefits eligibility, loan approvals, or policing tools), enhancing fairness and trust in federal programs.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. standards for AI governance, potentially affecting collaborations with international partners on technology regulation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: All that interact with algorithms (e.g., Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development) must comply, with leadership responsible for implementation.
- Congressional Committees: Oversight and Government Reform, and subject-specific committees (e.g., Judiciary) will receive reports and may act on recommendations.
- Civil Society and Affected Groups: Civil rights organizations, consumer advocates, workers' groups, academics, and communities vulnerable to bias (e.g., racial minorities, low-income individuals) will gain avenues for input and protection.
- Industry and Businesses: Tech companies developing or selling algorithms to the government may face increased scrutiny and requirements for bias mitigation.
- Individuals: U.S. residents interacting with agency programs, particularly those with protected characteristics, stand to benefit from harm reduction.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws by integrating AI oversight, potentially leading to more litigation or guidance on algorithmic accountability; defines "bias" and "harms" broadly to cover perceived traits, aligning with evolving interpretations of equal protection.
- Constitutional: Supports the Fifth Amendment's due process and equal protection principles by mandating fairness in government decision-making tools, without imposing new restrictions on speech or innovation.
- Political: Could spark debates on government overreach in regulating AI versus protecting civil rights; empowers Democratic-leaning priorities on equity (as seen in sponsors like Rep. Lee and Rep. Tlaib) but requires bipartisan support for funding and implementation; may set a precedent for broader AI legislation amid growing concerns over technology's societal effects.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (15)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (6 pages)