TRAIN Act
Sponsored By: Senator Peter Welch
Introduced
Summary
Gives copyright owners a court-backed subpoena to force makers of generative AI models to disclose training works. It creates a narrow process for owners to obtain copies or records that identify copyrighted material used to train a model and defines key terms like "generative artificial intelligence model," "developer," and "training material."
Show full summary
- Copyright owners and authorized agents may request a court-issued subpoena to get copies of, or records sufficient to identify, their works that they believe were used to train a generative AI model. Requests must include a proposed subpoena and a sworn declaration stating a good-faith belief and that the records will be used only to protect the owner’s rights.
- Developers of generative AI models must expeditiously disclose the requested records if served. Failure to comply creates a rebuttable presumption that the developer copied the copyrighted work. Recipients may not disclose the records to others without authorization.
- The process generally follows the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Courts may sanction bad-faith requesters under Rule 11 and clerks must promptly issue proper subpoenas.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New subpoena rights for copyright owners
If enacted, this bill would let a copyright owner or an authorized agent ask a federal court clerk to issue a subpoena to an AI developer for copies of, or records identifying, the owner's works likely used to train a generative AI model. The requester would have to file a proposed subpoena and a sworn statement saying they in good faith believe their works were used and that the materials will be used only to protect their rights. If the documents are in proper form, the clerk would quickly issue the subpoena and the developer would have to promptly disclose the requested records. If a developer fails to comply, a court could presume the developer copied the work. The bill would add definitions for terms like “developer” (which excludes noncommercial end users) and “generative artificial intelligence model.” Materials obtained under this rule could not be shared without permission. These rules would take effect on the date of enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Peter Welch
VT • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Sponsored 7/24/2025
Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
MO • R
Sponsored 7/24/2025
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/24/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov