Greg Casar (D-TX)
Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 12 Democratic cosponsors · See all 12 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a new federal agency called the Department of Artificial Intelligence to oversee and regulate advanced computer systems. It sets up a new Cabinet-level position, the Secretary of Artificial Intelligence, alongside an advisory board to provide technical and scientific advice. The legislation puts a temporary pause on the development of certain advanced AI systems until the new department is fully staffed and safety rules are put in place. It strictly bans the creation or deployment of artificial superintelligence and systems that show dangerous precursor traits. The bill also establishes a strict charter system for advanced AI development, complete with harsh criminal penalties, job bans, and asset forfeiture for violations. Finally, it includes protections for whistleblowers who report violations of the law to the government.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +9
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?
The bill establishes an executive department specifically to regulate advanced AI systems, require charters, and enforce strict bans and mandatory pauses.
- Scored +8
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill creates a brand new federal executive department with broad regulatory, inspection, chartering, and asset forfeiture authorities.
- Scored +7
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill creates rigorous pre-deployment approvals and safety monitoring to protect the public from dangerous AI capabilities.
The opposite
- Scored -6
Would business owners be better off under this?
AI companies and founders face strict operational limits, charter requirements, and the risk of asset forfeiture or industry bans for non-compliance.
- Scored -4
Is this likely to grow the economy?
Mandating a pause on advanced artificial intelligence development and setting strict operational prohibitions could slow industry growth in this sector.
- Scored -3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
Imposing a mandatory pause on advanced artificial intelligence development may restrict certain advanced scientific computing research.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4(b) establishes a department with the clear purpose of safeguarding the public from the dangers of artificial intelligence, which directly protects citizens from catastrophic harm.
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Section 11 requires anyone who discovers an artificial superintelligence or dangerous precursor traits to report it to the Secretary within 24 hours, ensuring quick action is taken to keep people safe.
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Section 14 protects employees, former employees, and independent contractors from retaliation, discrimination, or firing if they report AI violations to the government, law enforcement, or Congress.
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Section 16 prohibits the use of federal taxpayer funds for activities that violate the core safety rules of the bill, ensuring government money is not used to back dangerous AI projects.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 8 puts a mandatory pause on training, modifying, or fine-tuning advanced AI systems, which could burden researchers and developers by halting their work indefinitely until the government finishes setting up its new rules.
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Section 12 requires developers to obtain a charter from the Secretary and agree to forfeit all of their intellectual property and assets to the federal government if their charter is revoked for a violation, which is a heavy financial penalty.
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Section 13 imposes severe criminal penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for policymaking individuals or rogue actors who recklessly violate the rules, and a 10-year industry employment ban for other workers.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill creates a brand new federal executive department with broad regulatory, inspection, chartering, and asset forfeiture authorities. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Entities developing artificial intelligence are required to report pre-development plans and give the Secretary full access to systems and processes.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The Department of Artificial Intelligence is authorized to use federal funding for research relating to defensive cybersecurity measures. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The legislation directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Artificial Intelligence to pursue international agreements and allied coordination.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The bill establishes an executive department specifically to regulate advanced AI systems, require charters, and enforce strict bans and mandatory pauses. Does this put more money into scientific research? — Imposing a mandatory pause on advanced artificial intelligence development may restrict certain advanced scientific computing research.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — Regulating advanced AI prevents models from assisting in the design or release of dangerous biological pathogens and novel viruses.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — Strong whistleblower protections shield employees and independent contractors from retaliation when reporting safety violations. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Enhanced cybersecurity and public safety safeguards protect critical national infrastructure that impacts all citizens, including veterans. Would business owners be better off under this? — AI companies and founders face strict operational limits, charter requirements, and the risk of asset forfeiture or industry bans for non-compliance.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill creates rigorous pre-deployment approvals and safety monitoring to protect the public from dangerous AI capabilities. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Mandating a pause on advanced artificial intelligence development and setting strict operational prohibitions could slow industry growth in this sector.
- 10/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Yassamin AnsariDemocrat · Arizona
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Jesús GarcíaDemocrat · Illinois
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
Val HoyleDemocrat · Oregon
Ro KhannaDemocrat · California
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Analilia MejiaDemocrat · New Jersey
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezDemocrat · New York
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York
Nydia VelázquezDemocrat · New York