Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership Training Act: Your 2025 Guide

Updated November 15th, 2024

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The AI Leadership Training Act ensures that federal leaders are equipped to oversee and implement AI responsibly and ethically, addressing both opportunities and risks associated with this transformative technology.
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This article examines the AI Leadership Training Act’s key provisions, its importance for federal agencies, and how it supports safe and effective AI use in government.

Table of Contents #

  1. What is the AI Leadership Training Act?
  2. Why was the AI Leadership Training Act introduced?
  3. What are the guidelines outlined by the AI Leadership Training Act?
  4. How is the AI Leadership Training Act different from other AI-centric legislations?
  5. Bottom line
  6. AI Leadership Training Act: Related reads

What is the AI Leadership Training Act? #

The AI Leadership Training Act establishes a formal training program for federal management officials and supervisors on artificial intelligence (AI).

The act requires “the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish, or otherwise ensure the provision of, a training program on artificial intelligence for Federal management officials and supervisors, and for other purposes.”

The program is designed to:

  • Build foundational knowledge about AI capabilities, risks, and ethical considerations
  • Equip leaders to manage and oversee AI systems in alignment with federal policies
  • Promote safe and effective use of AI across federal operations

The Act emphasizes continuous improvement, requiring the training program to be updated every two years to reflect advancements in AI technology and best practices.

Who is behind the AI Leadership Training Act? #


The Act was introduced in May 2023 by Senators Gary Peters and Mike Braun, reflecting bipartisan support for preparing federal leadership for the AI era.

“Decision-makers in the federal government must have the appropriate training to ensure [AI] technology is used responsibly and ethically. With AI training, federal agency leaders will have the expertise needed to ensure this technology benefits the American people and to mitigate potential harms such as bias or discrimination.” - Senator Gary Peters

The Act demonstrates Congress’s growing acknowledgment of AI’s dual nature—its immense potential and its associated risks—and the importance of equipping federal leaders to navigate these complexities effectively.

When will the AI Leadership Training Act come into effect? #


The AI Leadership Training Act was introduced to the Senate on May 11, 2023 and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders on November 02, 2023.

Once enacted, the OPM Director will have 18 months to establish the training program. After implementation, the program will be revised every two years to ensure it incorporates the latest developments in AI technology, risks, and mitigation strategies.

Why was the AI Leadership Training Act introduced? #

“In the past couple of years, we have seen unprecedented development and adoption of AI across industries. We must ensure that government leaders are trained to keep up with the advancements in AI and recognize the benefits and risks of this tool.” - Senator Mike Braun

AI is increasingly integral to federal functions, from decision-making tools to automated systems. However, a lack of understanding among federal leaders can lead to misuse or missed opportunities. The Act aims to:

  • Enhance AI literacy by equipping leaders with knowledge about AI’s capabilities and risks
  • Address safety and ethical concerns relating to AI
  • Ensure compliance with federal requirements and best practices for AI (procurement, use, testing, evaluation, and auditing of AI capabilities)
  • Build capacity for informed decision-making around AI procurement, development, deployment, and evaluation within the federal government

What are the guidelines outlined by the AI Leadership Training Act? #

The Act outlines a detailed training curriculum for federal leaders, covering:

  • The basics of AI: Understand what AI is, how it works, different types of AI, their features, benefits, and risks
  • Risks of AI systems: Learn about the different types of risks associated with AI systems, such as:
    • Data-related risks: Insufficiently representative training data can lead to bias, unreliable outputs, and unfair outcomes
  • System failures: AI systems trained on limited, bad-quality data can produce inaccurate results or unintended consequences
  • Developer bias: Bias introduced during AI development can impact system fairness and outcomes
  • Constitutional risks: AI use by the government, such as in surveillance or censorship, could threaten First and Fourth Amendment rights, thereby infringing on civil liberties
  • Continuous refinement of AI systems: Learn about the importance of ongoing evaluation and updates to AI systems during both the development and deployment phases for fairness and accuracy
  • Risk mitigation strategies: Discover ways to reduce the risks associated with AI and build systems that prioritize reliability, safety, and trustworthiness
  • Organizational considerations for AI: Explore best practices for integrating AI into federal operations, including establishing norms, training the workforce, and analyzing use cases specific to government needs

Also, read → AI Governance: Mitigating risks & maximizing benefits | Data management for LLM deployments | The role of metadata management in AI | Data readiness for AI

By addressing these areas, the Act equips federal leaders to manage AI responsibly, ensuring fairness, accountability, and the protection of public rights.

How is the AI Leadership Training Act different from other AI-centric legislations? #

The AI Leadership Training Act stands apart from broader AI governance frameworks by focusing exclusively on federal leaders’ education and capacity-building. Key distinctions include:

  • Focus on federal leadership: While other AI laws regulate AI use across industries, this Act targets government officials responsible for overseeing AI in public sector operations
  • Education-first approach: The Act prioritizes knowledge and skill development, ensuring that federal leaders are well-equipped to manage AI ethically and effectively
  • Dynamic curriculum: By requiring updates every two years, the Act ensures training remains relevant as AI technologies evolve

The Act emphasizes internal government preparedness, enabling federal agencies to use AI responsibly and comply with existing safety and ethical standards.

Bottom line #

The AI Leadership Training Act helps in aligning government leadership with the rapid growth of AI technologies. By focusing on education, it ensures that federal leaders are equipped to oversee AI use responsibly, addressing ethical concerns and operational risks.

This legislation underscores the importance of preparing federal agencies for an AI-driven future, building trust in AI’s role in governance, and fostering ethical, fair, and effective use of AI in government operations.

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