Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act of 2026
Latest action (16 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9729, the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act of 2026, would amend title 10 of the U.S. Code to require the Secretary of Defense to ensure that any use of force by the Armed Forces involving an autonomous weapons system or artificial intelligence-enabled system remains subject to human command responsibility. Specifically, the Secretary would have to establish procedures to identify the human commander or operator responsible for authorizing, supervising, and terminating such use of force, ensure human oversight or a "human-in-the-loop" for any decision to use such a system for an intentionally lethal purpose, and, for five years after enactment, require that targets be verified using a secondary source of data not generated solely by artificial intelligence.
These requirements would not apply to U.S. missile defense systems or other systems designed to intercept or engage incoming missiles, munitions, or weapons used against the U.S. or its forces. The bill states its requirements supplement, rather than replace, existing Department of Defense guidance on autonomy in weapon systems. It primarily affects the Department of Defense, military commanders and operators who use such systems, and, indirectly, policy on how lethal autonomous or AI-enabled weapons are employed.
The bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within one year on how these procedures have been implemented and whether they have delayed or prevented any use of force. The bill was introduced on July 16, 2026, by Rep. Donald Beyer and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, where it awaits further committee action before any vote by the full House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 16, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9729 do?
- H.R. 9729, the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act of 2026, would amend title 10 of the U.S. Code to require the Secretary of Defense to ensure that any use of force by the Armed Forces involving an autonomous weapons system or artificial intelligence-enabled system remains subject to human command responsibility. Specifically, the Secretary would have to establish procedures to identify the human commander or operator responsible for authorizing, supervising, and terminating such use of force, ensure human oversight or a "human-in-the-loop" for any decision to use such a system for an intentionally lethal purpose, and, for five years after enactment, require that targets be verified using a secondary source of data not generated solely by artificial intelligence. These requirements would not apply to U.S. missile defense systems or other systems designed to intercept or engage incoming missiles, munitions, or weapons used against the U.S. or its forces. The bill states its requirements supplement, rather than replace, existing Department of Defense guidance on autonomy in weapon systems. It primarily affects the Department of Defense, military commanders and operators who use such systems, and, indirectly, policy on how lethal autonomous or AI-enabled weapons are employed. The bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within one year on how these procedures have been implemented and whether they have delayed or prevented any use of force. The bill was introduced on July 16, 2026, by Rep. Donald Beyer and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, where it awaits further committee action before any vote by the full House.
- Has H.R. 9729 become law?
- Not yet. As of 16 Jul 2026, H.R. 9729 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9729?
- H.R. 9729 was sponsored by Rep. Donald Beyer [D-VA8] (Democrat-VA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9729?
- Introduced (16 Jul 2026).
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