Kean Introduces AI Kill Switch Legislation

(SEPTEMBER 24, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the AI Emergency Button Act to require artificial intelligence developers to install an emergency kill switch. 

“While AI can be a helpful tool, it is essential that humans remain in control of complex artificial intelligence systems,” said Congressman Kean. “This legislation would ensure that advanced artificial intelligence systems include a technical capability for a human operator to shut down the system.” 

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the AI Emergency Button Act in the Senate earlier this month. 

In July, Congressman Kean introduced the Spot the Fakes Act with Representatives Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Liccardo (CA-16) to require that all AI-generated content carry a label embedded in its metadata, giving Americans the transparency they need to verify the authenticity of the content they view. 

In September 2025, Congressman Kean introduced the LIFT AI Act with Congressman Amo (RI-01) to improve artificial intelligence literacy for students K-12. The bill passed the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in June of this year. 

Read the text of the bill HERE. 

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