VA AI Transparency Act of 2026

(a) In general. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that, except as provided in subsection (c), with respect to each instance in which the Department of Veterans Affairs uses artificial intelligence to interact with a covered individual, the Secretary discloses such use to the covered individual.

(b) Contents of disclosure. A disclosure under subsection (a) shall include—

(1) a clear statement that the covered individual is interacting with an artificial intelligence system and not a human employee of the Department; and

(2) an identification of the general purpose for which the artificial intelligence system is being used.

(c) Exception. Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to internal uses of artificial intelligence by the Department to assist a Department employee, contractor, or other authorized individual in performing administrative, analytical, clerical, or other related functions.

(d) Rule of construction. Nothing in subsection (c) may be construed to permit the Department to use artificial intelligence to interact directly with a covered individual.

(e) Covered individual defined. In this section, the term covered individual means—

(1) a veteran;

(2) a survivor or dependent of a veteran;

(3) a caregiver of a veteran;

(4) an individual who is seeking to determine eligibility for, apply for, or receive a benefit or service under laws administered by the Secretary; or

(5) any other individual interacting with the Department in connection with a benefit, service, program, or activity under laws administered by the Secretary.