Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2026, creates a new Center for Artificial Intelligence Standards and Innovation within the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop voluntary testing standards, evaluation tools, and best practices for AI systems. The bill establishes testbed programs that allow companies of all sizes to access federal computing resources and facilities for testing AI technologies, while also creating international coalitions with like-minded countries to align on AI standards and security measures. It authorizes federal agencies to award prizes for solving specific AI challenges and requires a report identifying regulatory barriers that may hinder AI innovation. The legislation also expands hiring authority for technical experts and adds requirements for auditing temporary workers involved in AI research.