Voluntary Consumer AI Disclosure Pilot Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9439
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T17:58:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a pilot program focused on voluntary ways for private companies to inform consumers when they interact with artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The goal is to promote transparency about AI-generated content and real-time AI interactions through non-mandatory standards and best practices.
Key Provisions
- Establishes a pilot program within one year of enactment to test voluntary methods for disclosing AI-generated or manipulated content, including labels or notices for users engaging with AI products or services.
- Requires the pilot to draw from existing consumer product labeling programs.
- Directs NIST to develop voluntary guidelines, best practices, and standards based on the pilot results.
- Mandates a report to the House Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Energy and Commerce, and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 180 days after the pilot ends, covering feasibility, usefulness, limitations, and any recommendations for further action.
- Requires consultation with other federal agencies, private sector entities of varying sizes, civil society, and academic groups.
- Adds definitions for "artificial intelligence," "artificial intelligence system," and "content provenance" (the origin and history of digital content).
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill modifies Section 22A of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278h-1) by inserting a new subsection (c) on the pilot program, redesignating subsequent subsections, and adding a definitions subsection (j) at the end. These additions introduce new NIST responsibilities without altering or repealing prior provisions.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: NIST would gain duties to run the pilot, consult stakeholders, develop standards, and report to Congress, potentially requiring additional resources.
- Citizens: Could receive clearer information about AI use in products and services, supporting informed consumer choices.
- Private sector: Participation remains voluntary, allowing companies flexibility in adopting disclosure practices.
- International relations: The bill contains no provisions addressing foreign entities or global standards.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Private sector companies using AI systems.
- Consumers interacting with AI products or services.
- Federal agencies consulted during implementation.
- Civil society organizations and academic researchers involved in consultations.
- Congressional committees receiving the required report.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation emphasizes voluntary standards rather than requirements, limiting potential regulatory burdens. It focuses on consumer transparency without creating new enforcement mechanisms or penalties. No direct constitutional issues are raised in the text, as the changes stay within NIST's existing authority to support standards development.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Voluntary Consumer AI Disclosure Pilot Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (4 pages)