A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Leadership Training Act, a new legislation aimed at addressing the knowledge gap within the federal workforce regarding advancing artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill seeks to create a specialised training program for government agency leaders to equip them with the necessary skills and understanding of AI technologies that may be integrated into federal operations.

The proposed education program outlined in the bill covers several mandated subjects, including defining AI, understanding its basic functionality, conducting risk and benefit analyses, comprehending how data informs AI algorithms, implementing risk mitigation techniques, and establishing a broader infrastructure for governing the deployment of AI systems. Additionally, the bill requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) director to regularly update the curriculum to keep pace with the evolving AI landscape.

The legislation places particular emphasis on identifying and addressing the risks associated with AI systems, especially in handling critical data. This focus is prompted by concerns over sophisticated generative AI software that can perpetuate misinformation and mishandle data, issues that federal agencies aim to prevent. The proposed training program aims to equip federal leaders with an understanding of the capabilities, risks, and ethical implications associated with AI, enabling them to assess the suitability of AI solutions for their respective mission requirements.

The Artificial Intelligence Leadership Training Act builds upon the recognition by government officials that a technologically proficient workforce is essential. It complements the AI Training Act, another bill introduced by Sen. Peters, which was enacted into law in October 2022. Over the years, several similar pieces of legislation have been circulating in Congress, seeking to address the knowledge gaps within the federal workforce concerning emerging technologies like AI.