Legis Daily

Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9729| House 
| Updated: 7/16/2026
Donald S. Beyer

Donald S. Beyer

Democratic Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (3)
Sara Jacobs (Democratic)Tom Barrett (Republican)Valerie P. Foushee (Democratic)

Armed Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that all uses of force involving autonomous weapons systems or artificial intelligence-enabled systems by the Armed Forces are subject to human command responsibility. It mandates the establishment of procedures to identify responsible human commanders, ensure human oversight or a "human-in-the-loop" for lethal decisions, and for five years, require target verification using secondary, non-AI generated data. These requirements do not apply to United States missile defense systems or other defense systems designed to intercept incoming weapons. The bill clarifies that these provisions are in addition to, and do not replace, existing Department of Defense guidance on autonomy in weapon systems. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing the established procedures and any impact on the prevention or delay of force use.

Bill Text Versions

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Timeline
Jul 16, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 16, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
  • July 16, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 16, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Forces and National Security

Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9729| House 
| Updated: 7/16/2026
This legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that all uses of force involving autonomous weapons systems or artificial intelligence-enabled systems by the Armed Forces are subject to human command responsibility. It mandates the establishment of procedures to identify responsible human commanders, ensure human oversight or a "human-in-the-loop" for lethal decisions, and for five years, require target verification using secondary, non-AI generated data. These requirements do not apply to United States missile defense systems or other defense systems designed to intercept incoming weapons. The bill clarifies that these provisions are in addition to, and do not replace, existing Department of Defense guidance on autonomy in weapon systems. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing the established procedures and any impact on the prevention or delay of force use.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 16, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 16, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
  • July 16, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 16, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Donald S. Beyer

Donald S. Beyer

Democratic Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (3)
Sara Jacobs (Democratic)Tom Barrett (Republican)Valerie P. Foushee (Democratic)

Armed Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted