The SANDBOX Act would require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to set up a federal "artificial intelligence regulatory sandbox program." The Program would let companies or the Director apply for temporary waivers or modifications of certain federal rules, guidance, or related requirements ("covered provisions") so they can test, experiment with, or temporarily provide AI products, services, or development methods on a limited basis without being subject to enforcement, licensing, or authorization under those covered provisions.
The bill defines key terms (for example, AI systems, health and safety risk, and unfair or deceptive trade practice) and sets rules for how to apply, how agencies must review applications, and the timelines for decisions. The Director must publish the Program rules and allow public comment on the criteria used to assess risks. Applicable agencies have 90 days to approve or deny parts of an application and must provide a written record explaining risks, mitigation, and reasons for denial. If an application is approved, the applicant must enter into a written agreement with the Director and relevant agency heads describing the waived or modified provisions and mitigation steps. Waivers last 2 years initially and may be renewed up to four additional 2-year periods. The Program itself would end 12 years after it is established.
The bill includes requirements for participant reporting and recordkeeping, consumer disclosures (including that the product is being tested, contact information, and that the participant is not immune from liability for non-waived laws), incident reporting to OSTP and agencies within 72 hours, and regular reports from participants to the Director. The Director must submit an annual report to Congress with details on applications, approvals, benefits, harms, and materials related to the Program. The bill also provides an appeal process, rules for judicial review of certain actions, coordination with state AI programs, and limits on public disclosure of proprietary information.
No publicly available information on costs or appropriations is included in the bill text. The bill directs the OSTP Director to establish and operate the Program and to produce annual reports and other materials, but it does not specify funding levels or how costs would be paid.
The bill states the purpose of the Program is to incentivize: the development of current or new AI products, services, and development methods; the expansion of economic opportunities from AI development; the creation of jobs from AI development; and the creation of opportunities for AI innovation in the United States.
No publicly available information.