New Federal Bills Promote US AI Leadership and Child Safety

U.S. lawmakers have introduced two bills covering artificial intelligence: one that would give parents control over their kids’ use of AI chatbots, and one that aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI.

The Children’s Health, Advancement, Trust, Boundaries, and Oversight in Technology Act (CHATBOT Act) would require AI companies to establish “family accounts” to help parents manage their children’s access to and usage of AI chatbots; limit manipulative design features; and prohibit targeted advertising to children, according to a press release issued Tuesday (April 28) by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

“While AI chatbots can support a child’s learning, research and creativity, they also pose real risks to minors, including exposure to inappropriate content, language and addictive features,” the release said. “Some AI companies have even deployed rewards, notifications and targeted advertising to drive prolonged engagement by adolescent users.”

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, John Curtis, R-Utah, and Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

The American Leadership in AI Act includes provisions designed to strengthen the capacity to measure and evaluate AI; build research infrastructure and drive innovation; modernize federal AI governance, procurement and security; expand AI education and protect the workforce; and safeguard Americans and deter harmful deepfakes, according to a press release issued Monday (April 27) by its sponsors.

“The American Leadership in AI Act brings together more than 20 bipartisan proposals to implement key recommendations from the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence report issued last Congress,” the release said. “The bill is designed to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI while promoting responsible innovation and safeguarding the public.”

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Ted W. Lieu, D-Calif., and Jay Obernolte, R-Calif.

The Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence released its report in December 2024 after being established in February 2024 to explore how Congress can support AI innovation while considering safeguards. When releasing the report, congressional leaders said in a press release that it “includes guiding principles and forward-looking recommendations that may be appropriate to advance America’s leadership in AI innovation responsibly.”