READ AI Models Act

Summary

Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), subject to available funding, to run a pilot program to create a structured, modular template and technical guidelines for documenting AI models and the data that support them. NIST must solicit stakeholder input (including a public comment period), provide suggested template fields and metrics, publish the final template and guidance, and report within 12 months on pilot results and a plan for permanent adoption.

• Directs NIST to run a pilot program to create a standardized, modular template and technical guidance for AI model documentation.
• Template fields suggested include model identity, developer info, release date, knowledge cutoff, supported languages, terms of service, and data descriptions.
• NIST must provide metrics/benchmarks and reference voluntary consensus standards where appropriate.
• Requires stakeholder input and at least a 60-day Federal Register public comment period on a draft.
• NIST must publish the final template and guidance on its website.
• Within 12 months of starting the pilot, NIST must report to specified congressional committees assessing pilot effectiveness and proposing a plan for permanent implementation if effective.
• All actions are subject to the availability of appropriations; the bill authorizes action but does not itself appropriate funds.
• Guidance is intended to be voluntary and to support transparency, comparability, and accountability for AI models used in both public and private sectors.