September 16, 2026
Mr. Kennedy introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
To require entities to include human-controlled shutdown mechanisms in all artificial intelligence systems.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the AI Emergency Button Act
.
Sec. 2. Shutdown-capability for artificial intelligence systems
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Artificial intelligence
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given such term in section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401).
(2) Covered entity
The term covered entity means any entity that develops or operates an advanced artificial intelligence system in the United States.
(b) Requirement
Each covered entity shall ensure that the advanced artificial intelligence system developed or operated by the covered entity includes a technical capability for a human operator to shut down the system.
(c) Regulations
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the heads of relevant Federal agencies with jurisdiction over artificial intelligence systems, shall promulgate regulations to ensure compliance with the requirement under subsection (b).