Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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.
Timeline
16 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9729. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9729?
- H.R. 9729 was sponsored by Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8] (D-VA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9729?
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. (16 Jul 2026).
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