Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Streamline the Code of Federal Regulations Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7226
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-10T00:09:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to modernize and streamline the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by requiring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and eliminate redundant (duplicative) or outdated (superseded or inapplicable) federal regulations. This is intended to reduce regulatory overlap and inefficiency without losing essential protections.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Agency" refers to any federal executive department or independent agency (as defined in U.S. law).
- "Artificial intelligence system" is a machine-based tool that generates outputs like predictions or decisions based on inputs.
- "Redundant" means a regulation that duplicates another without adding unique value.
- "Regulation" means a federal rule with legal force.
- "Outdated" means a regulation no longer relevant due to new laws, technology, or developments.
- Annual AI Review Process (Section 3):
- The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with input from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), must set up an AI-based process within 90 days of enactment, running annually thereafter.
- The AI must meet NIST standards for accuracy, transparency, accountability, and low national security risks.
- OMB and NIST review the process and AI annually to ensure it works efficiently.
- Identified redundant or outdated regulations are sent to the responsible agency for a final determination within 30 days.
- Agencies must rescind redundant regulations within 30 days or amend/rescind outdated ones within 30 days.
- All determinations must be published on the agency's website with a brief explanation; a classified version can be sent to Congress if needed.
- Expedited Actions: Agencies bypass standard public notice-and-comment requirements when rescinding or amending these regulations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 553(b) of Title 5, U.S. Code (part of the Administrative Procedure Act, or APA, which governs rulemaking), to create an exemption for AI-identified redundant or outdated regulations. This allows faster removal or updates without the usual public input process, which typically involves proposing changes, gathering feedback, and justifying decisions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases efficiency by automating regulation reviews but adds workload for quick determinations and actions; OMB and NIST gain oversight roles in AI implementation.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Could reduce regulatory burdens by eliminating unnecessary rules, potentially lowering compliance costs and simplifying interactions with government; however, rushed changes might overlook nuances affecting protections (e.g., environmental or consumer safeguards).
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though streamlined U.S. regulations could indirectly affect trade or global standards if they involve international topics like technology or security.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primary implementers, responsible for reviews, determinations, and updates to their regulations.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Lead the AI process and ensure its quality.
- Congress: Receives reports and classified annexes; retains oversight but loses some indirect input via APA processes.
- Regulated Industries and Citizens: Benefit from reduced red tape but may face disruptions if essential rules are removed; advocacy groups (e.g., for environment, labor) could challenge changes.
- AI Developers and Tech Sector: Indirectly involved in providing compliant AI systems meeting NIST standards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Bypassing APA notice-and-comment raises due process concerns, as it limits public and stakeholder input on rule changes; courts might scrutinize AI accuracy or bias in identifications, potentially leading to lawsuits over arbitrary decisions.
- Constitutional: Could implicate separation of powers if executive agencies act too swiftly without congressional or judicial checks; transparency requirements (e.g., website publications) help mitigate secrecy issues.
- Political: Promotes deregulation, appealing to efficiency-focused policymakers, but risks criticism for undermining protections or over-relying on AI without human oversight; annual reviews ensure ongoing accountability, though final agency determinations limit appeals.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Streamline the Code of Federal Regulations Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (6 pages)