Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025
Latest action (3 Apr 2025): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 1290 would expand the responsibilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to include developing "workforce frameworks" — standardized taxonomies describing job roles, tasks, knowledge, and skills — for critical and emerging technology fields. NIST would be required to review and update these frameworks at least every three years, consult with industry, government, labor, and educational institutions in developing them, and report to Congress on those updates. The bill specifically directs NIST to assess the need for new frameworks (citing quantum information science as an example) and requires it to publish a workforce framework specifically for artificial intelligence within 540 days of enactment. It also requires periodic updates and reports on NIST's existing cybersecurity workforce framework (NICE Framework), including how it is used by employers and by people with nontraditional educational backgrounds, and directs NIST to disseminate cybersecurity career information to students and workers.
The bill primarily affects NIST, which would take on new duties and reporting obligations, as well as federal agencies, employers, educators, training providers, and workers in technology fields who rely on these frameworks for hiring, training, and career planning. It could particularly matter to people pursuing nontraditional pathways into tech careers, since frameworks are required to address how such individuals can qualify for relevant roles.
The bill was introduced on April 3, 2025, by Senator Gary Peters (with Senator Schmitt) and referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed by the President to become law.
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 April 3, 2025. 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 S. 1290 do?
- S. 1290 would expand the responsibilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to include developing "workforce frameworks" — standardized taxonomies describing job roles, tasks, knowledge, and skills — for critical and emerging technology fields. NIST would be required to review and update these frameworks at least every three years, consult with industry, government, labor, and educational institutions in developing them, and report to Congress on those updates. The bill specifically directs NIST to assess the need for new frameworks (citing quantum information science as an example) and requires it to publish a workforce framework specifically for artificial intelligence within 540 days of enactment. It also requires periodic updates and reports on NIST's existing cybersecurity workforce framework (NICE Framework), including how it is used by employers and by people with nontraditional educational backgrounds, and directs NIST to disseminate cybersecurity career information to students and workers. The bill primarily affects NIST, which would take on new duties and reporting obligations, as well as federal agencies, employers, educators, training providers, and workers in technology fields who rely on these frameworks for hiring, training, and career planning. It could particularly matter to people pursuing nontraditional pathways into tech careers, since frameworks are required to address how such individuals can qualify for relevant roles. The bill was introduced on April 3, 2025, by Senator Gary Peters (with Senator Schmitt) and referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has S. 1290 become law?
- Not yet. As of 3 Apr 2025, S. 1290 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 1290?
- S. 1290 was sponsored by Sen. Gary Peters [D-MI] (Democrat-MI), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1290?
- Introduced (3 Apr 2025).
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