Bill · S. 5493· Senate(119-S-5493)
Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/23/2026
- Last activity
- 9/23/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Bernie Sanders
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a new executive department called the Department of Artificial Intelligence to regulate advanced artificial intelligence systems and protect the public from dangers. It establishes a Secretary of Artificial Intelligence and an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board to provide technical advice and oversee the rules. The legislation puts a mandatory pause on training, modifying, or deploying advanced artificial intelligence systems until the Department is fully staffed and creates safety rules. It strictly prohibits artificial superintelligence and systems with superintelligence precursor characteristics, requiring the government to destroy violating systems. Furthermore, the bill institutes a charter system for developers, outlines severe criminal and civil penalties for violations, and protects whistleblowers from retaliation.
Yes· 3 of 16
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+9
The bill establishes rigorous federal oversight, mandatory charters, safety audits, and deployment approvals for advanced artificial intelligence developers.
Does this give the federal government more power?+8
The bill establishes an entirely new executive department with broad regulatory, inspection, and enforcement authority over artificial intelligence.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+6
The legislation allows federal funding for defensive cybersecurity research utilizing specific artificial intelligence capabilities.
The opposite· 3 of 10
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-7
The bill establishes severe criminal penalties including up to 20 years of imprisonment for reckless violations of artificial intelligence regulations.
Is this likely to grow the economy?-5
Imposing a mandatory pause and severe restrictions on advanced artificial intelligence development may slow innovation and industry growth.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-4
Asset forfeiture and severe penalties upon charter revocation raise concerns regarding standard protections and administrative overreach.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection Against Catastrophic Risks: Section 4(b) and Section 9 establish the Department of Artificial Intelligence and prohibit artificial superintelligence and dangerous systems, which aims to protect the public from existential threats and severe harm.
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Whistleblower Protections: Section 14 protects employees, former employees, and independent contractors from retaliation if they report violations of the Act to the Department, law enforcement, or Congress.
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Safety Oversight and Audits: Section 8(c) requires entities developing artificial intelligence to report pre-development plans, undergo monitoring and safety audits, and receive final pre-deployment approval before releasing systems to the public.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Severe Criminal Penalties: Section 13(b) states that a policymaking individual or rogue actor who recklessly violates the Act or its rules can be fined and imprisoned for up to 20 years.
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Asset Forfeiture: Section 12(d)(2) and Section 13(d)(4) require individuals and companies to forfeit their intellectual property and assets to the Federal Government if their charter is revoked for a violation.
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Employment Bans: Section 13(c)(1) mandates that non-polymaking individuals who recklessly violate the Act or its rules will be barred from employment in the artificial intelligence industry for 10 years.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+6Improves International Alliances+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+8Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Due Process-4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+4Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Veterans+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Students+2Good For Union Workers+2Good For Billionaires-4Good For Business Owners-4Good For High Net Worth Individuals-4Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-4Good For High Income Households-3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+2Improves Economic Growth-5Improves Small Business Support-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-7
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+9Increases Scientific Research Funding-3
- 9/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate