READ AI Models Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (25 Jun 2026): Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
What this bill does
H.R. 6461, the READ AI Models Act, would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a pilot program establishing a standardized, modular template and technical guidelines for documenting artificial intelligence models. The template could include information such as a model's name, developer, developer's location of incorporation, release date, training-data knowledge cutoff, supported languages, and terms of service. NIST would also be required to provide accompanying technical guidance, including relevant metrics and voluntary industry standards.
The bill affects developers and users of AI models in both the public and private sectors, who could voluntarily use the resulting documentation template. NIST would consult with other federal agencies and gather input from private companies, universities, nonprofits, and standards organizations, including publishing a draft template in the Federal Register for at least 60 days of public comment. All activities are subject to available appropriations.
Within 12 months of launching the pilot, NIST's Director must report to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Senate Commerce Committee on the program's effectiveness and, if warranted, a plan for permanent implementation. NIST would also publish the final template and guidelines online.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Sarah McBride on December 4, 2025, referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and on June 25, 2026 was ordered reported, as amended, by a 35-0 vote. It would next await further House action, such as floor consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Resources for Evaluating and Documenting AI Models or the READ AI Models Act
This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a customizable template for information to accompany artificial intelligence (AI) models.
Specifically, NIST must initiate a pilot program to establish a structured template that may be used to document information about an artificial intelligence model and any associated data, such as the model’s name, the developer, and the cutoff date for the model’s training data. The template must be modular to enable users to adopt and complete various sections to suit their needs and intended audience. NIST must also provide technical guidelines to accompany the template that incorporate consensus-based standards and industry best practices, as appropriate.
In developing these materials, NIST must collaborate with and conduct periodic outreach to various stakeholders, including private sector entities, international standards organizations, and institutions of higher education.
NIST must publish and solicit public comment on a draft of the template and guidelines. Within 12 months of the start of the pilot program, NIST must publish the finished products and report to Congress with an assessment of the program.
Timeline
25 Jun 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6461 do?
- H.R. 6461, the READ AI Models Act, would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a pilot program establishing a standardized, modular template and technical guidelines for documenting artificial intelligence models. The template could include information such as a model's name, developer, developer's location of incorporation, release date, training-data knowledge cutoff, supported languages, and terms of service. NIST would also be required to provide accompanying technical guidance, including relevant metrics and voluntary industry standards. The bill affects developers and users of AI models in both the public and private sectors, who could voluntarily use the resulting documentation template. NIST would consult with other federal agencies and gather input from private companies, universities, nonprofits, and standards organizations, including publishing a draft template in the Federal Register for at least 60 days of public comment. All activities are subject to available appropriations. Within 12 months of launching the pilot, NIST's Director must report to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Senate Commerce Committee on the program's effectiveness and, if warranted, a plan for permanent implementation. NIST would also publish the final template and guidelines online. The bill was introduced by Rep. Sarah McBride on December 4, 2025, referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and on June 25, 2026 was ordered reported, as amended, by a 35-0 vote. It would next await further House action, such as floor consideration.
- Has H.R. 6461 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6461. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6461?
- H.R. 6461 was sponsored by Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large] (D-DE), with 11 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6461?
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0. (25 Jun 2026).
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