# Senators Introduce AI Transparency Legislation

The AI Systems Transparency Act (ASTA), introduced by Senators Chris Coons, Katie Britt, Brian Schatz, and James Lankford, establishes new federal requirements for AI companies to disclose detailed information about their AI models' data collection, safety measures, and risk mitigation. Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this legislation mandates transparency disclosures aimed at enhancing public and researcher understanding of AI capabilities and risks. For government procurement professionals and contractors, ASTA creates new compliance obligations for AI vendors and introduces oversight mechanisms that will influence procurement evaluations and contract requirements involving AI technologies.

- **Why this matters:** Federal agencies procuring AI solutions will need to ensure vendors comply with ASTA's transparency and safety disclosure mandates, impacting contract terms and vendor selection.
- AI vendors must prepare to provide detailed disclosures on data practices and risk management, affecting proposal content and compliance documentation.
- Procurement teams should anticipate increased FTC oversight and incorporate transparency criteria into AI technology evaluations.
- Organizations developing or supplying AI products to government should align their development and compliance processes with ASTA provisions to maintain eligibility and competitiveness.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

### Vendors
- OpenAI (AI model developer)
- Microsoft (AI model developer)
- Google (AI model developer)
- Anthropic (AI model developer)
- Meta (AI model developer)

### Key Quotes
> We know that this technology is not slowing down, which is why it’s critical that AI companies provide transparency to both researchers and parents on how their systems work and address potential risks – especially risks related to America’s youth.
> — Senator Katie Britt

> Our bill requires disclosures that help both consumers and evaluators understand both the capabilities of and risks posed by these models and what companies are doing to keep people safe.
> — Senator Brian Schatz

> Companies must not be allowed to hand wave away these doubts without meaningful disclosures, safeguards, and oversight in place.
> — Senator Chris Coons

### Sources
- [Senators Coons, Britt, Schatz, and Lankford introduce bipartisan AI safety and transparency legislation](https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-britt-schatz-and-lankford-introduce-bipartisan-ai-safety-and-transparency-legislation/) - Coons Senate