AI Workforce PREPARE Act
Sponsored By: Senator Banks, Jim [R-IN]
Introduced
Summary
Would create a federal program to measure and forecast AI's impacts on the labor market. It would set up new data projects, an Artificial Intelligence Workforce Research Hub, a forecasting prize, and temporary hiring to bring tech experts into the Department of Labor.
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- Workers would get better-targeted training and adjustment information from a Job-to-Job Data Pilot and forecasts that must identify at least 15 occupations worth tracking.
- State and local workforce boards that receive WIOA funds would have to consider the new forecasts when updating in-demand industries and occupations, starting within 1 year and for 4 subsequent years.
- Researchers and policymakers would get a public, machine-readable forecast archive and routine forecast evaluations, plus a recurring NSF prize competition to improve short-horizon AI labor forecasts. The Department of Labor could hire up to 20 temporary tech experts to support this work.
*Would authorize about $39.5 million for FY2026–2030, modestly increasing federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Better AI workforce data and benchmarks
This bill would create new data and measurement work on AI in the workplace. It would set up a voluntary confidential program for private firms to share anonymized AI adoption data and require machine-readable aggregate stats at least every 6 months. It would direct Labor to identify standard data elements within 12 months, add or improve AI questions on key federal surveys within 1 year, and require NIST to run a prize to build benchmarks within 270 days. The bill funds workshops, surveys, standards work, and benchmark prizes with modest authorizations totaling millions of dollars.
Forecasts and job-to-job data program
This bill would require Labor to name at least 15 AI-sensitive occupations within 240 days and publish 2-, 4-, and 8-year forecast ranges for them soon after. The Census would run a job-to-job flows pilot for those occupations and must publish a first quarterly series within 18 months or report barriers and cost-benefit findings. The bill would also fund an NSF forecasting prize with semiannual questions to improve short-horizon forecasts and require public archives and reports.
New DOL AI research hub
This bill would require the Department of Labor to set up an Artificial Intelligence Workforce Research Hub within 90 days. The Hub would work with Census, BEA, and BLS and may use detailees from federal, state, and private sectors. The Hub must use existing training or employment-research funds and would stop having these duties 4 years after enactment. No new appropriations are authorized for the Hub.
Use forecasts in workforce programs
This bill would require State and local WIOA boards to consider the Act's forecasts when updating in-demand industry and occupation lists beginning within 1 year and for four years after that. The Department of Labor must report within 2 years on how to use the Act's data in grant selection and performance measures and provide technical help. The bill would also fund a study on a Rapid AI Adjustment Assistance program, with a study deliverable within 12 months and results posted within 2 years; that study would not itself create new benefits.
Temporary AI hires at Labor
This bill would let the Secretary of Labor hire up to 20 tech or AI experts in excepted-service positions. Each appointment could last up to 24 months, with one possible 24-month extension, and pay could be set up to GS-15 step 10. Total annual pay per person could not exceed the Vice President's pay, the authority would end 4 years after enactment, and Congress authorized $6 million for FY2026–2030.
New WARN notices when AI causes layoffs
This bill would change WARN Act notices so that, starting one year after enactment, employers must say when AI was a substantial factor in a mass layoff. Notices would need to list the AI type and use, give a good-faith estimate of the share of job losses due to AI, and describe any upskilling or retraining offered. The Department of Labor would issue guidance within 300 days on how to make those determinations. Employers meet the rule by providing a good-faith statement and estimate.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Banks, Jim [R-IN]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 12/3/2025
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 12/3/2025
Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]
OH • R
Sponsored 12/3/2025
Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
KS • R
Sponsored 3/10/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov