S. 5130 — Human Dignity and Emerging Technologies Act

This section defines terms used throughout the Act, including appropriate congressional committees as the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; artificial intelligence by reference to its meaning in 15 U.S.C. 9401; and the Commission as the United States Commission on Human Dignity established by section 3.

This section establishes the purpose of the Commission to provide independent advice to the Federal Government, including Congress, on the ethical and policy dimensions of developments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. It requires the Commission to recognize the geopolitical dimensions of such technologies, including challenges posed by foreign state actors whose use threatens human dignity.

This section establishes a 17-member commission with members appointed by the President (5), Senate majority leader (4), House Speaker (4), and appropriate congressional committees (4). Members must demonstrate expertise in philosophy, ethics, civil rights, religion, social sciences, science, technology, medicine, or law; serve 5-year terms; and may be removed only for cause. The Commission selects a Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2-year terms, appoints an Executive Director and staff subject to committee approval, and receives excess federal space or leased space within 180 days of enactment. Nine members constitute a quorum.

This section establishes the responsibilities of the Commission to defend the inherent dignity of the human person, understood as unique, embodied, and endowed with rational and moral nature, in Federal science and technology policy and to cultivate humility regarding technological mastery over human nature amid geopolitical competition. It directs the Commission to create policy materials, conduct ongoing inquiry into the bioethical implications of robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, neurotechnologies, and emerging clinical technologies, monitor Federal programs and regulatory proposals for threats to human dignity, hold public hearings, and issue annual reports with findings, policy options, and recommendations to the President and congressional committees.

This section requires the Commission to evaluate Federal science and technology programs and policies upon request from an appropriate congressional committee, make information and documents available, and provide testimony. It directs Federal agency heads to furnish information to the Commission upon request by the Chairman or majority vote. The Commission is limited to advisory functions and may not issue regulations, compel action, or enforce law. It also requires the Commission to adopt and publish a conflict-of-interest policy for members and staff that is consistent with Federal ethics laws and congressional ethics rules.