Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., have reintroduced the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act, which seeks to stop companies from using biased algorithms that influence decisions affecting civil rights and access to essential opportunities. The reintroduction was announced Tuesday by the office of Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., one of the House co-leaders for the proposed legislation.
As lawmakers push new AI guardrails, government and industry leaders are preparing for major shifts in how AI is developed and deployed. The 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19 will explore these evolving policy landscapes and what they mean for federal missions and public services. Register now to join the relevant discussion on AI.
Table of Contents
What Types of Algorithmic Decisions Would the AI Civil Rights Act Cover?
The legislation applies to companies developing or using algorithms in critical decision-making areas, including housing, employment, lending, healthcare and education. It would prohibit algorithmic discrimination based on protected characteristics and require independently audited impact assessments before and after algorithm deployments.
The bill also requires transparency about when an algorithm is involved in a decision.
Why Are Guardrails on Algorithms Needed?
Bill sponsors referenced cases highlighted by civil rights organizations in which algorithms reflect inequities in the data used to build them. They said automated decisions are already shaping major life outcomes, and oversight is needed to ensure those systems do not replicate discrimination.
How Are Civil Rights Advocates Responding?
Supporting groups said many algorithms incorporate data influenced by longstanding inequities, which could result in unfair outcomes when applied at scale. They pointed to concerns involving mortgage approvals, hiring decisions and other processes where discrimination has been documented.
According to the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the bill establishes accountability and transparency measures to help ensure algorithms do not automate bias. Other national advocacy organizations, labor groups and civil rights associations also voiced support for the standards included in the proposal.
Related Articles
The Department of Commerce has appointed Taylor Jordan as director of the office of space commerce. OSC said Tuesday Jordan will remain as assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “I am deeply honored to lead the nation’s principal office dedicated to promoting commercial space activity,” said Jordan. “Strengthening America’s leadership in space is a top priority of this Administration, and I look forward to working with industry and government partners to advance U.S. commercial interests in the space domain.” Who Is Taylor Jordan? Jordan is a veteran space policy leader with over 15
NASA and industry partners plan to launch a demonstration mission in late 2027 to operate a commercial robotic arm in low Earth orbit as part of a push to advance in-space operations in support of future exploration and scientific discovery missions. The space agency said Tuesday it will collaborate on the planned Fly Foundational Robots, or FFR, demo mission with Astro Digital and Motiv Space Systems. “Today it’s a robotic arm demonstration, but one day these same technologies could be assembling solar arrays, refueling satellites, constructing lunar habitats, or manufacturing products that benefit life on Earth,” said Bo Naasz, senior
The General Services Administration and SAP have signed an agreement to make the latter’s database, analytics, integration and cloud platforms available to federal agencies. Be part of the conversation shaping government technology at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Hear from experts on AI, cyber and enterprise IT. Secure your spot now! GSA said Wednesday the OneGov agreement allows agencies to acquire SAP’s products at discounted prices. “The OneGov agreement with SAP gives federal agencies access to new tools as they accelerate technology modernization, transition away from legacy systems, and unlock significant taxpayer savings,” said