This is the multi-page printable view of this section. Click here to print.

Return to the regular view of this page.

THE PRO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP & AI WORKFORCE ACT

THE PRO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP & AI WORKFORCE ACT

A Bill to Modernize Workforce Development, Accelerate AI Integration, and Remove Barriers to Entrepreneurship

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the “Pro-Entrepreneurship & AI Workforce Act.”

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

To transform the U.S. economy by eliminating regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship, accelerating AI adoption, and prioritizing skills-based workforce training to make American workers globally competitive while ensuring fairness, transparency, and governance in AI-driven hiring and credentialing.

TITLE I — DEFINITIONS & STANDARDS

Sec. 101. Key Terms

  1. (a) “AI-Integrated Workforce” A workforce in which AI tools are used to enhance productivity, automate routine tasks, and enable human-AI collaboration for higher efficiency in various industries.
  2. (b) “Skills-Based Hiring” A hiring approach where measurable competency in job-related skills is prioritized over degree requirements, validated through AI-verified assessments and practical evaluations.
  3. (c) “Entrepreneurial Fast-Track” A federal program that eliminates administrative delays for small business creation, streamlining compliance, financing, and operational setup, with particular focus on supporting minority and underserved entrepreneurs.
  4. (d) “AI Credentialing” A federally recognized certification system that validates an individual’s proficiency in AI-related skills such as machine learning, data analytics, and AI-assisted decision-making while ensuring transparency and fairness in AI-based evaluations.
  5. (e) “Regulatory Burden Reduction” The process of simplifying, eliminating, or automating unnecessary regulations that hinder entrepreneurship and workforce mobility, while ensuring necessary oversight to prevent systemic risks.

TITLE II — AI-BASED WORKFORCE TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

Sec. 201. Establishment of a National AI Workforce Initiative

  1. (a) The Department of Labor, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF), private sector leaders, and civil rights organizations, shall create a federal AI workforce training program.
  2. (b) The initiative shall include: – AI literacy training for federal employees and workforce development programs. – AI Credentialing (AIC) that replaces degree requirements for AI-based roles, ensuring that hiring decisions remain free of bias and discrimination. – Government grants for AI skills training to retrain displaced workers and those transitioning from traditional jobs into AI-related careers.

Sec. 202. AI Hiring Standards for Federal and State Jobs

  1. (a) Federal agencies must adopt AI-driven hiring assessments to measure candidate competency while complying with anti-discrimination standards.
  2. (b) AI Credentialing (AIC) must be accepted as an alternative to traditional degrees.
  3. (c) Bias audits on AI-driven hiring tools must be conducted annually, ensuring fairness, equity, and non-discriminatory hiring practices.

TITLE III — DEREGULATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP & STREAMLINING BUSINESS CREATION

Sec. 301. Entrepreneurial Fast-Track Program

  1. (a) Creation of a one-click business formation system allowing entrepreneurs to: – Register a business within 24 hours. – Automatically generate a federal tax ID and business bank account. – Receive AI-generated compliance assistance tailored to their industry.
  2. (b) Entrepreneurs who enroll in this program shall be exempt from select bureaucratic hurdles for 3 years, including: – Unnecessary licensing delays. – Non-essential compliance audits. – Costly annual reporting requirements for small businesses earning less than $500,000 in revenue.

Sec. 302. AI-Driven Small Business Assistance Grants

  1. (a) AI-powered grant eligibility platform shall match small businesses with applicable grants in real-time.
  2. (b) Startups in AI, automation, and workforce development sectors shall be eligible for expedited funding approval.
  3. (c) Special provisions shall be made for minority- and women-owned businesses, ensuring equitable access to fast-track funding.

Sec. 303. Reduction of Occupational Licensing Barriers

  1. (a) State governments must streamline licensing requirements for professions that do not involve safety risks.
  2. (b) AI-based licensing tests must be available for non-degree pathways to professional credentials.
  3. (c) Interstate recognition of AI-driven skill certifications shall be mandatory for federally regulated professions.

TITLE IV — AI TRANSPARENCY, GOVERNANCE, & DATA SECURITY

Sec. 401. AI Oversight Board for Workforce Use Cases

  1. (a) A federal AI Oversight Board shall be established to: – Audit AI hiring algorithms for bias, transparency, and accuracy. – Ensure worker rights are protected in AI-monitored workplaces. – Mandate periodic public reporting on AI employment trends.

Sec. 402. AI Data Protection Standards

  1. (a) All AI workforce assessments must meet federal data security requirements: – Encrypted personal data storage. – Clear disclosure of AI decision-making criteria. – Right to human review of AI-generated employment decisions.

TITLE V — ACCOUNTABILITY & COMPLIANCE

Sec. 501. Enforcement Mechanisms

  1. (a) The Department of Labor shall conduct annual compliance audits of federal agencies and private employers receiving federal funding.
  2. (b) Non-compliance with AI transparency or hiring requirements shall result in loss of federal contracts and penalties up to $10 million per violation.

Sec. 502. Entrepreneurial Progress Reports

  1. (a) The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall publish quarterly reports tracking: – Number of businesses created under the Fast-Track Program. – Percentage of federal contracts awarded to startups. – Economic impact of reduced regulatory barriers on entrepreneurship.

TITLE VI — IMPLEMENTATION & REVIEW

Sec. 601. Phase-In Timeline

• Year 1: AI Credentialing & workforce training program launch. • Year 2: Entrepreneurial Fast-Track Program becomes fully operational. • Year 3: AI hiring assessments and licensing reform take effect nationwide. • Year 4: Full AI workforce integration and transparency mandates enforced.

Sec. 602. Review & Sunset Clause

  1. (a) Programs under this Act shall be reviewed after 5 years for effectiveness.
  2. (b) Any provision found to be ineffective may be repealed by a 2/3 vote of Congress.