Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2023
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (12 Dec 2023): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
What this bill does
S. 3478, the "Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2023," would require federal agencies that use, fund, oversee, or regulate certain algorithmic systems—defined broadly to include machine learning, natural language processing, and similar AI-based tools that could materially affect government programs, economic opportunities, or protected rights—to establish or designate an office of civil rights. That office would need to employ experts and technologists focused on identifying bias, discrimination, and other harms stemming from these algorithms. Covered agencies' civil rights offices would be required to report every two years to relevant congressional committees on the state of algorithmic technology, mitigation steps taken, stakeholder engagement, and legislative or administrative recommendations. The bill also directs the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division to create an interagency working group on algorithms and civil rights within a year, with participation from each covered agency's civil rights office. Funding would be authorized as needed.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies that deploy or regulate algorithmic systems, requiring new administrative structures and reporting obligations. Indirectly, it could affect members of the public whose access to government programs, economic opportunities, or civil rights protections is shaped by algorithmic decision-making, since the bill aims to increase oversight of potential bias or discrimination in such systems.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on December 12, 2023, by Senator Ed Markey and several cosponsors, and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not received a committee vote or floor action, and, per the official summary, it did not advance further in this session of Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
12 Dec 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Common questions
- What does S. 3478 do?
- S. 3478, the "Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2023," would require federal agencies that use, fund, oversee, or regulate certain algorithmic systems—defined broadly to include machine learning, natural language processing, and similar AI-based tools that could materially affect government programs, economic opportunities, or protected rights—to establish or designate an office of civil rights. That office would need to employ experts and technologists focused on identifying bias, discrimination, and other harms stemming from these algorithms. Covered agencies' civil rights offices would be required to report every two years to relevant congressional committees on the state of algorithmic technology, mitigation steps taken, stakeholder engagement, and legislative or administrative recommendations. The bill also directs the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division to create an interagency working group on algorithms and civil rights within a year, with participation from each covered agency's civil rights office. Funding would be authorized as needed. The bill primarily affects federal agencies that deploy or regulate algorithmic systems, requiring new administrative structures and reporting obligations. Indirectly, it could affect members of the public whose access to government programs, economic opportunities, or civil rights protections is shaped by algorithmic decision-making, since the bill aims to increase oversight of potential bias or discrimination in such systems. The bill was introduced in the Senate on December 12, 2023, by Senator Ed Markey and several cosponsors, and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not received a committee vote or floor action, and, per the official summary, it did not advance further in this session of Congress.
- Has S. 3478 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3478. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3478?
- S. 3478 was sponsored by Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-MA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3478?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (12 Dec 2023).
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