Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (3 Apr 2025): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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.
Timeline
3 Apr 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1290. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1290?
- S. 1290 was sponsored by Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] (D-MI), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1290?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (3 Apr 2025).
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