Overview
Title
To support a broad and diverse interdisciplinary research community for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-powered innovation through partnerships and capacity building at certain institutions of higher education and other institutions to expand AI capacity in populations historically underrepresented in STEM, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to help schools, especially ones with lots of students from different backgrounds, learn more about how to use smart computers, like robots. It plans to give money and create partnerships to make sure everyone has a chance to be part of this smart computer world.
Summary AI
The bill H. R. 9403 aims to enhance the involvement of diverse communities in artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation. It proposes a framework to provide funding to specific colleges and organizations, like historically Black colleges, minority-serving institutions, and Tribal colleges, to boost their AI research, education, and workforce development capacities. The bill also emphasizes building partnerships between these institutions and various sectors, including federal agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector. Additionally, it focuses on ensuring inclusive participation in AI from underserved communities and historically underrepresented groups.
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Keywords AI
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
H.R. 9403, titled the "Expanding AI Voices through Capacity Building Act," is a proposed piece of legislation introduced in the United States House of Representatives on August 23, 2024. The bill aims to enhance the capabilities and participation of U.S. institutions in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. Its primary focus is on supporting institutions that are historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The bill proposes competitive grants awarded by the National Science Foundation to select higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. These grants are intended to bolster AI research, education, and workforce development through partnerships and capacity-building activities.
Summary of Significant Issues
Ambiguity in Institutional Eligibility: The bill uses the term "eligible institution of higher education" multiple times without clear specification, causing confusion about which institutions precisely qualify for the grants.
Typographical Error in Eligibility Listings: There is a duplication in subparagraph (C) under the list of eligible institutions, which could lead to legal confusion concerning application and award processes.
Undefined Evaluation Metrics: The phrase "to increase capacity and partnerships for artificial intelligence research and development" lacks clarity on specific metrics or outcomes, making it difficult to measure the success of the funded initiatives.
Potential Misinterpretation of 'Complimentary': The bill uses the word "complimentary" in a context that might suggest 'free of charge,' potentially leading to a misunderstanding of the intention to offer complementary, non-overlapping funding.
Nonprofit Organization Definition and Context: The definition of "nonprofit organization" refers to the Internal Revenue Code, yet lacks context-specific clarifications on how this applies to eligibility for the AI capacity-building awards.
Impact on the Public
The bill, if enacted, could significantly impact the public by broadening the participation of diverse and underrepresented groups in AI, a growing and critical field. By fostering partnerships and capacity building, it could lead to more inclusive innovation, which might yield new perspectives and solutions in AI applications. This inclusivity is vital to ensuring AI technologies reflect diverse societal needs and values.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Higher Education Institutions and Nonprofits: Institutions that are not among the highest in federal research expenditures, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority-serving institutions, and tribal colleges or universities, stand to benefit from increased funding and opportunities for collaboration, potentially enhancing their research capacities and academic offerings.
Underrepresented Groups in STEM: This bill targets expanding opportunities for groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. As a result, these communities might see improved access to educational and career pathways in AI, contributing to increased diversity in the technology sector.
Federal and Private Sector Partners: While the bill encourages developing partnerships, clarity on how these collaborations should be structured or measured remains necessary. Successful implementation requires clearly defined roles and expectations for all stakeholders, ensuring that federal, academic, and private sector interests are aligned towards common objectives.
Overall, this legislation holds significant promise in diversifying the AI field and fostering an inclusive research environment. Addressing the identified issues would enhance its clarity and effectiveness, ensuring broad and equitable impact across various communities and institutions.
Issues
The term 'eligible institution of higher education' is used multiple times in the bill without clear specification. It is unclear whether the term includes all institutions mentioned in Section 2(2) or only specific subparagraphs. This ambiguity could lead to confusion about which institutions can apply for federal awards, potentially causing legal complications and equity concerns.
Subparagraph (C) under 'ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION SPECIFIED' appears twice with different entities listed. This duplication is likely a typographical error that could lead to legal confusion and inconsistent application of the law.
There is potential ambiguity in the phrase 'to increase capacity and partnerships for artificial intelligence research and development' in Section 2(g)(1). Without specific metrics or outcomes, it is unclear how success will be measured, which could lead to subjective judgments on program effectiveness and accountability issues.
The term 'complimentary' in Section 2(g)(6) might be confused with 'complementary,' leading to potential misinterpretation of the bill's intent to avoid duplication of funding. This could result in financial inefficiencies or misappropriation of resources.
The bill lacks specificity on how the definition of 'nonprofit organization' as given in Section 2(g)(8)(C), which references the Internal Revenue Code, applies within the context of eligible organizations for AI capacity-building awards. This could result in legal challenges or disparities in funding opportunities.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the act states that it can be called the "Expanding AI Voices through Capacity Building Act" or simply the "Expanding AI Voices Act."
2. Expanding capacity in artificial intelligence science Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill proposes amendments to expand the U.S.'s capacity in artificial intelligence by making competitive grants to certain higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to boost participation in AI research and education, encourage partnerships, and support diverse institutions while ensuring these grants do not overlap with existing programs.