BILL: Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act of 2023 (S.3205)

The Bill

S.3205 - Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act of 2023

Bill Details

• Sponsored by Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) on Nov. 2, 2023
• Committee: Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet passed

Bill Overview

• This bill directs federal agencies to use the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). If passed, it would use guidelines for agencies to incorporate AI into their workflow while managing risks. It will include standards and best practices for the use of AI. 
• The legislation specifies appropriate cybersecurity strategies and tools to improve the security of AI systems.
• The Government Accountability Office will be directed to study the impact of the framework's application on the use of AI in government agencies.

What Supporters Are Saying

• Chandler C. Morse, vice president of public policy at Workday, a financial management system, said: 

"As a long-standing champion and early adopter of the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, Workday welcomes today's introduction of the Federal AI Risk Management Framework Act. This bipartisan proposal would advance responsible AI by directing both federal agencies and companies selling AI in the federal marketplace to adopt the NIST Framework."

• Fred Humphries, corporate vice president of government affairs at Microsoft, said:

"Implementing a widely recognized risk management framework by the U.S. Government can harness the power of AI and advance this technology safely."

• On AI regulations, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said:

"Congress failed to meet the moment on social media. Now we have the obligation to do it on AI before the threats and the risks become real."

What Opponents Are Saying

• Some oppose government regulations more generally. For example, former Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt proposed a "leave us alone" solution. He added: 

"There's no one in government who can get it [AI oversight] right...I would much rather have the current companies define reasonable boundaries."

• While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has endorsed the idea of federal oversight of AI, he's pushed for an overarching agency that regulates the technology rather than individual bills. Additionally, Altman has been outspoken against other AI regulations, such as that of the European Union. He said in response to the body's bill:

"We will try to comply, but if we can't comply, we will cease operating [in Europe]."

Tell your reps to support or oppose this bill.

-Jamie Epstein & Emma Kansas