Bill · S. 3680· Senate(119-S-3680)
Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/15/2026
- Last activity
- 1/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026," requires certain government agencies to establish an office of civil rights. These offices must employ experts and technologists to focus on bias, discrimination, and other harms caused by algorithms. This applies to "covered agencies" that use, fund, or oversee algorithms that could materially affect programs, economic opportunities, or rights. The bill mandates that these offices submit regular reports to congressional committees regarding the state of technology and mitigation steps. Additionally, the Department of Justice will establish an interagency working group to connect these offices.
Yes· 3 of 17
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill provides protections against algorithmic discrimination based on race.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+6
The bill mandates the mitigation of harms caused by algorithms against people with disabilities.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+6
The bill mandates specialized offices to prevent bias and discrimination based on race and ethnicity in algorithmic processes.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Focus on Preventing Discrimination: The bill requires agencies to establish an office of civil rights specifically focused on bias, discrimination, and other harms related to protected characteristics (Section 3(a)).
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Expert Oversight of Technology: By requiring the employment of experts and technologists, the bill aims to address the tendency of algorithms to subject individuals or groups to harm based on traits like race, sex, disability, or income level (Section 2(4) and Section 3(a)).
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Increased Transparency and Accountability: The requirement for agencies to submit reports every two years regarding the risks of algorithms and steps taken to mitigate them provides a mechanism for oversight (Section 3(b)).
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Stakeholder Engagement: The bill directs agencies to engage with various groups, including civil rights advocates, consumer protection organizations, and affected populations, to address algorithmic harms (Section 3(b)(3)).
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Collaborative Problem Solving: The creation of an interagency working group through the Department of Justice allows different offices of civil rights to work together on these issues (Section 3(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+6Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Women+5Good For Veterans+4Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Young Adults+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+6Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Gender Equality+5Improves L G B T Q Rights+5Improves Pathway To Citizenship+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+5
- 1/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts