What HR Needs to Know About the Great American AI Act of 2026

Legislators from the U.S. House of Representatives released a discussion draft of The Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 on June 4, a bill aimed at creating an expansive national AI governance framework. 

Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass, released the draft to solicit feedback from experts, stakeholders, and the public before the bill would be formally introduced in Congress.  

Currently, AI governance operates on a state-by-state basis, creating a range of laws that may make it more difficult for organizations to form policies that regulate AI use in the workplace. The bill is a response to increasing calls for a federal AI governance framework. 

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, which is why Congress must take a thoughtful and bipartisan approach to regulating this critical technology,” Obernolte said in a press release. “This discussion draft is an important step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects Americans from emerging risks, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in AI.” 

Trahan echoed that emphasis on collaboration and input from a wide range of stakeholders. 

“This discussion draft is the product of ongoing bipartisan conversations, which we hope to build upon with input from workers, researchers, stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom have an interest in getting this right,” Trahan said in a press release. 

The draft bill’s provisions outline a shift toward a more centralized federal AI governance approach with potential implications for how organizations monitor and manage AI in the workplace. 

Key Components of the Bill

The bill touches on many issues that are likely to be relevant for HR and their organizations, including:

1. AI workforce development and education funding. The bill would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Science Foundation to establish grants and prizes focused on AI education, workforce development, and broadening participation in AI research. This signals growing federal investment in AI reskilling and talent pipelines.

2. Federal tracking of AI adoption in the workforce. The bill would require the Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics to revise federal surveys to include AI adoption and usage questions. AI workforce adoption metrics may become benchmarked nationally.

3. Formal creation of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation. Located in the Commerce Department, the center would develop best practices and standards for AI security, evaluate AI systems, and monitor AI progress.  

4. Federal evaluation of AI safety. The bill would direct the Government Accountability Office to evaluate AI safety protocols and the safety of open-source AI software.

5. National and international AI standards development. The Department of Energy and NIST would lead international AI standards coordination and U.S.-led standards adoption efforts. Multinational employers may eventually need to align their AI systems with evolving global standards.

SHRM’s Support of Federal AI Governance Standards

SHRM released a statement in support of the discussion draft on June 5 and has previously called for a national approach to workplace AI. In May, SHRM released The Path Forward: SHRM’s AI Legislative Framework for the Modern Workplace, a white paper that identified eight pillars to help guide policymakers adopt a federal governance framework that prioritized both innovation and worker protection. 

“As AI continues to reshape the workplace, these proposals represent important contributions to the national conversation about how to foster innovation, support workers, and provide clarity for employers,” said Emily M. Dickens, J.D., SHRM chief administrative officer. “SHRM stands ready to serve as a resource to Congress and policymakers as they continue this important work and develop solutions that strengthen America’s workforce, support responsible innovation, and maintain the nation’s global competitiveness.”