The 'No Robot Bosses Act' is a proposed U.S. Senate bill introduced by Senators Bob Casey and Brian Schatz on July 20, 2023. It aims to regulate how employers use automated decision systems (ADS) in the workplace. The bill defines ADS broadly, including any system or software that uses computation to make or assist decisions, such as those derived from machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques. It covers a wide range of individuals, including current and former job applicants and employees. The bill seeks to ensure that employers' use of ADS is transparent and accountable, particularly in hiring and employment decisions. ([faegredrinker.com](https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2023/8/no-robot-bosses-congress-takes-on-employers-use-of-artificial-intelligence?utm_source=openai))
Supporters of the 'No Robot Bosses Act' argue that it is a necessary step to protect workers from potential biases and lack of transparency associated with automated decision-making in employment. They believe the bill will promote fairness and accountability in hiring practices by ensuring that ADS are used responsibly and do not inadvertently discriminate against certain groups. The bill's broad definition of ADS and its coverage of various employment scenarios are seen as strengths that will help address the evolving use of AI in the workplace. ([faegredrinker.com](https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2023/8/no-robot-bosses-congress-takes-on-employers-use-of-artificial-intelligence?utm_source=openai))
Critics of the 'No Robot Bosses Act' express concerns that the bill's broad definition of automated decision systems could encompass a wide range of technologies, potentially leading to overregulation and stifling innovation. They worry that the requirements for transparency and accountability may impose significant compliance burdens on employers, especially smaller businesses, and could hinder the adoption of beneficial AI technologies in the workplace. Additionally, some argue that the bill may not sufficiently address the complexities of AI decision-making and could result in unintended consequences. ([faegredrinker.com](https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2023/8/no-robot-bosses-congress-takes-on-employers-use-of-artificial-intelligence?utm_source=openai))
The analysis of bill S. 4833, which seeks to prohibit certain uses of automated decision systems by employers, reveals no direct industry overlaps with the top donor industries of Senator Edward Markey. This indicates a low risk of conflicts of interest, as the primary financial backers do not operate within sectors that would be directly affected by the legislation. The absence of overlapping interests suggests that the motivations behind the bill are less likely to be influenced by donor interests. Voters should be aware that while campaign finance can often lead to conflicts, in this case, the lack of overlap indicates a more straightforward legislative intent focused on worker protections rather than donor benefits.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ORBIA FLUOR ENERGY MATERIALS (KOURA) | BALLARD PARTNERS | $120,000 |
| TUNGSTEN MINING NL | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $120,000 |
| DELTA | CAPITOL TAX PARTNERS, LLP | $70,000 |
| LEARN ALLIANCE (INFORMAL COALITION) | CAPITOL TAX PARTNERS, LLP | $40,000 |
| FRAYM | CASSIDY & ASSOCIATES, INC. | $40,000 |
| SCIOTO PROPERTIES LLC | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $30,000 |
| SUPPLY ENERGETICS, INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $30,000 |
| VIEGA LLC | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $30,000 |
| GLOBAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS | GLOBAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS | $30,000 |
| OISHII | BALLARD PARTNERS | $20,000 |
| DIRECT KINETIC SOLUTIONS | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | $15,000 |
| SOCIETY OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY | CAVAROCCHI RUSCIO DENNIS ASSOCIATES, L.L.C. | $10,000 |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY | CAPITOL TAX PARTNERS, LLP | undisclosed |
| CARL ZEISS AG | FGS GLOBAL (US) LLC (FKA FGH HOLDINGS LLC) | undisclosed |
| ZIPPO MANUFACTURING COMPANY | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Edward Markey, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)