SCALE Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (15 Apr 2026): Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
The SCALE Act would direct the Secretary of Commerce, working with the Director of National Intelligence, to create a system for tracking and limiting exports of advanced AI-related semiconductors ("AI hardware") to countries and entities designated as national security concerns, principally China, along with Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any other countries later designated. The bill requires the government to develop public performance metrics on AI chip capability, issue regular assessments of how much such hardware these countries and entities possess or can produce domestically, and use that data to set annual export limits. Those limits would generally be based on the most advanced chips such countries can mass-produce themselves, with a presumption of denial for export licenses in most cases, and specific conditions—such as third-party testing and safeguards against diversion—required for any licenses reviewed on other than a denial basis.
The bill primarily affects the Commerce Department, U.S. intelligence agencies, semiconductor and AI hardware companies seeking export licenses, and the designated countries and entities barred from or restricted in acquiring U.S. AI chip technology. It does not compel the government to loosen any existing export controls or approve any sales.
The bill was introduced in the House on April 15, 2026, by Rep. John Moolenaar and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. It has not yet been voted on and would need committee action and passage by both chambers before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
15 Apr 2026
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8306 do?
- The SCALE Act would direct the Secretary of Commerce, working with the Director of National Intelligence, to create a system for tracking and limiting exports of advanced AI-related semiconductors ("AI hardware") to countries and entities designated as national security concerns, principally China, along with Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any other countries later designated. The bill requires the government to develop public performance metrics on AI chip capability, issue regular assessments of how much such hardware these countries and entities possess or can produce domestically, and use that data to set annual export limits. Those limits would generally be based on the most advanced chips such countries can mass-produce themselves, with a presumption of denial for export licenses in most cases, and specific conditions—such as third-party testing and safeguards against diversion—required for any licenses reviewed on other than a denial basis. The bill primarily affects the Commerce Department, U.S. intelligence agencies, semiconductor and AI hardware companies seeking export licenses, and the designated countries and entities barred from or restricted in acquiring U.S. AI chip technology. It does not compel the government to loosen any existing export controls or approve any sales. The bill was introduced in the House on April 15, 2026, by Rep. John Moolenaar and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. It has not yet been voted on and would need committee action and passage by both chambers before it could become law.
- Has H.R. 8306 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8306. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8306?
- H.R. 8306 was sponsored by Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2] (R-MI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8306?
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (15 Apr 2026).
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