Lawmakers want a new US permit system before companies can train AI

A permit system for AI training

The proposed law, known as the Ban Superintelligence Act, would set up a new cabinet-level agency called the Department of Artificial Intelligence. Under the plan, any company working on what officials call "advanced" AI would have to apply for credentials from the department before starting its work.

The draft language says AI labs would also be required to give the secretary complete access to both digital and physical infrastructure, including data centers, where the training happens ¹.

One notable detail: the secretary's office would have total authority to decide what counts as "advanced" AI. That threshold would not be fixed — it could move up or down as technology improves ¹.

Who is behind the push

Several members of Congress are driving the effort. Arizona representative Yassamin Ansari posted on social media calling for a pause on advanced AI development, regulation of the industry, and a ban on artificial superintelligence, calling it "top of the Democratic agenda on day one" ¹.

Democratic House leader Ted Lieu similarly criticized Republicans during a post-election press conference for allowing the "AI industry to run wild" ¹.

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Greg Casar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are the leading backers of the central bill. Whether more moderate Democrats will support the plan is still unclear ¹.

Penalties for going it alone

The bill introduces steep consequences for what it calls "rogue actors" — companies or people that try to develop advanced AI without the proper permits. The worst offenders could face up to 20 years in prison, and individual employees could be banned from working in the AI industry for 10 years ¹.

This marks a significant shift from the current situation in the United States, where AI labs have largely operated without higher-authority oversight on model development ¹. Similar moves in other areas — such as rules on data center electricity use and product liability — suggest regulators are taking the technology more seriously across multiple fronts .

If enacted, the permitting requirement would force every major AI company operating in the US to seek government approval before training systems that cross whatever line Congress draws around "advanced" AI ¹.

This story reports on a trend for information only. It is not advice or encouragement to do any of it.

Key facts

• The Ban Superintelligence Act would create a Department of Artificial Intelligence to issue training permits
• Companies would need to give the secretary full access to digital and physical infrastructure, including data centers
• The definition of 'advanced' AI would be set by the secretary, with a rolling threshold that adjusts as tech improves
• Violations could carry up to 20-year prison sentences and 10-year industry bans for individuals
• The bill is backed by Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Bernie Sanders

Sources

1. Democrats Considering Crackdown That Would Require Government Permission to Train AI Models — futurism.com