Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act of 2026
Latest action (23 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, would establish a new Department of Artificial Intelligence and create regulations for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill defines "advanced artificial intelligence" by a significant computing power threshold and "artificial superintelligence" as an AI system that exceeds human cognitive abilities across most tasks or can plan to destroy or disempower humanity. It would implement a mandatory pause on the development and deployment of advanced AI systems until the new Department is fully staffed and has established clear rules for safe and secure AI development, including pre-development reporting, ongoing monitoring, and pre-deployment approval.
The legislation directly impacts entities developing or deploying advanced AI systems. It prohibits the development, deployment, possession, funding, import, or transfer of artificial superintelligence or systems with "superintelligence precursor characteristics," which include capabilities like automating AI research, unauthorized access to secure infrastructure, independent operation, designing weapons, self-modification, or deceiving oversight. Those found to violate these provisions could face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, or be barred from the AI industry. The bill also includes provisions to prevent retaliation against individuals who report violations.
This bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet moved beyond this initial stage. If it were to advance, it would typically undergo committee review, potentially be amended, and then be considered for a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for a similar process.
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 September 23, 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 S. 5493 do?
- The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, would establish a new Department of Artificial Intelligence and create regulations for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill defines "advanced artificial intelligence" by a significant computing power threshold and "artificial superintelligence" as an AI system that exceeds human cognitive abilities across most tasks or can plan to destroy or disempower humanity. It would implement a mandatory pause on the development and deployment of advanced AI systems until the new Department is fully staffed and has established clear rules for safe and secure AI development, including pre-development reporting, ongoing monitoring, and pre-deployment approval. The legislation directly impacts entities developing or deploying advanced AI systems. It prohibits the development, deployment, possession, funding, import, or transfer of artificial superintelligence or systems with "superintelligence precursor characteristics," which include capabilities like automating AI research, unauthorized access to secure infrastructure, independent operation, designing weapons, self-modification, or deceiving oversight. Those found to violate these provisions could face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, or be barred from the AI industry. The bill also includes provisions to prevent retaliation against individuals who report violations. This bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet moved beyond this initial stage. If it were to advance, it would typically undergo committee review, potentially be amended, and then be considered for a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for a similar process.
- Has S. 5493 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Sep 2026, S. 5493 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5493?
- S. 5493 was sponsored by Sen. Bernard “Bernie” Sanders [I-VT] (Independent-VT), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5493?
- Introduced (23 Sep 2026).
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