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H.R. 9042House118th Congress (2023-2025)In Committee

Civilian Agency AI Watermark Act

Sponsored by Sheila Jackson LeeRep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Introduced July 15, 2024

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 5:55 PM UTC

The Civilian Agency AI Watermark Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to create a system that marks and identifies artificial‑intelligence tools approved for use by civilian federal agencies. Within eight months of the law’s enactment, DHS must work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to develop this AI watermark and trademark system. The law also provides yearly funding for the effort. It affects federal civilian agencies that use AI, as well as DHS, NIST, and the USPTO.

Key Provisions

  • DHS must, within eight months of enactment, consult with NIST and the USPTO to develop an AI watermark and trademark system for identifying federally approved civilian‑agency AI applications.
  • Appropriations are authorized each fiscal year for DHS to fund the development and implementation of the watermark system.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.

Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Subcommittee

July 15, 2024

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

July 15, 2024

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Homeland Security Committee

July 15, 2024

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.

Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Subcommittee

July 15, 2024

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued July 15, 2024

I

118th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 9042

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 15, 2024

Ms. Jackson Lee introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security

A BILL

To provide for civilian agency artificial intelligence watermarks, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Civilian Agency AI Watermark Act.

2.

Civilian agency artificial intelligence watermark system

(a)

In general

Not later than eight months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall seek to consult with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding development of an artificial intelligence watermark and trademark system to identify Federal agency approved artificial intelligence applications for civilian agency use.

(b)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security each fiscal year to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.