AI-WISE Act

Full Title:
AI–WISE Act

Summary#

This bill, called the AI-WISE Act, adds a new section to the Small Business Act. It directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and host educational resources and training modules about artificial intelligence (AI) for small businesses. The materials must be publicly available on an existing SBA online learning platform and cover topics such as how AI models work and their limits; how to tell if software outputs were produced by AI; how to monitor AI development and related rules; best practices for working with third-party AI providers; how to identify and manage AI risks; protecting input privacy; keeping human involvement in important decisions; and how to decide if an AI tool meets a business need.

The SBA must, to the extent practicable, keep the materials accurate and up to date by consulting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and an Advisory Working Group. The Advisory Working Group will include AI experts from the private sector, academia, privacy and reliability experts, educational material creators, representatives from SBA resource partners and district offices, and a small business association. Resource partners may help spread the materials and create localized or specialized training. The materials must be clear, actionable, and must not favor any particular AI model or vendor. The bill defines "artificial intelligence" by referencing the definition in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The SBA must establish the resources within 180 days of the law taking effect.

What it means for you#

  • Small businesses will have access to free, public online training modules about AI on an SBA platform.
  • The materials should explain how AI works, how to spot AI-generated outputs, privacy and risk-management steps, and how to judge whether an AI tool fits a business need.
  • Local SBA resource partners can tailor and share specialized or localized training for their communities.
  • The SBA will work with NIST and an advisory group of experts to keep the information current.
  • The SBA must set up these resources within 180 days after the law is enacted.

Expenses#

The bill states that "No additional amounts are authorized to carry out this Act or the amendments made by this Act." No other publicly available information about costs, budget offsets, or estimated financial effects is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.