HALO Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (8 Jun 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
What this bill does
The proposed HALO Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Adam Schiff, aims to establish design and safety requirements for autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems that use artificial intelligence. If enacted, it would require the Secretary of Defense to ensure these systems incorporate specific features. These include clear chains of command, a designated commander accountable for engagements, and systems that require ultimate human discretion and control over the use of force. The bill also mandates record-keeping for target selection and decision logic, and requires that the design, testing, and use of these systems align with established ethical principles for artificial intelligence and responsible AI strategies.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Defense and its military departments, impacting the design, development, procurement, deployment, and use of AI-enabled weapon systems. It seeks to ensure that human operators and commanders retain ultimate control and discretion over the use of force, with systems designed to operate within defined constraints and terminate engagements if they cannot be completed as intended. The legislation also calls for transparency regarding ethical AI principles and responsible AI strategies.
This bill is currently in its introductory phase. It was introduced in the Senate on June 8, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services. The next step in the legislative process would be for the committee to review the bill, potentially hold hearings, and decide whether to advance it.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
8 Jun 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Common questions
- What does S. 4697 do?
- The proposed HALO Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Adam Schiff, aims to establish design and safety requirements for autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems that use artificial intelligence. If enacted, it would require the Secretary of Defense to ensure these systems incorporate specific features. These include clear chains of command, a designated commander accountable for engagements, and systems that require ultimate human discretion and control over the use of force. The bill also mandates record-keeping for target selection and decision logic, and requires that the design, testing, and use of these systems align with established ethical principles for artificial intelligence and responsible AI strategies. The bill primarily affects the Department of Defense and its military departments, impacting the design, development, procurement, deployment, and use of AI-enabled weapon systems. It seeks to ensure that human operators and commanders retain ultimate control and discretion over the use of force, with systems designed to operate within defined constraints and terminate engagements if they cannot be completed as intended. The legislation also calls for transparency regarding ethical AI principles and responsible AI strategies. This bill is currently in its introductory phase. It was introduced in the Senate on June 8, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services. The next step in the legislative process would be for the committee to review the bill, potentially hold hearings, and decide whether to advance it.
- Has S. 4697 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4697. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4697?
- S. 4697 was sponsored by Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA] (D-CA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4697?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (8 Jun 2026).
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