Senator Lummis Introduces RISE Act for AI Civil Liability Framework

The Responsible Innovation and Safe Expertise (RISE) Act, introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis, aims to establish a new civil liability framework for artificial intelligence (AI). The bill seeks to balance the protection of AI developers with the accountability of professionals who use AI tools in their practices. The RISE Act is seen as a foundational step in addressing the civil liability of AI, but it requires enhanced transparency and clearer liability standards to effectively manage emerging AI risks.

The RISE Act is the nation’s first targeted liability reform for professional-grade AI, aiming to foster innovation by shielding developers from lawsuits tied to unpredictable AI behaviors. This immunity is conditional upon developers providing transparent model specifications, such as detailed model cards, enabling professionals to make informed decisions. The legislation shifts the bulk of legal responsibility onto professionals—physicians, attorneys, engineers—who utilize AI tools in their practices. This approach assumes these users will thoroughly understand AI capabilities and limitations before integrating them into decision-making processes. While this may encourage cautious adoption, it raises concerns about whether such a burden is equitable or practical, especially given AI’s complexity and opacity.

Legal experts acknowledge the rationale behind granting AI developers immunity from strict liability, particularly when harm results from AI outputs beyond developers’ control. Without such protections, developers could face unlimited legal exposure, potentially stifling innovation. Conversely, critics argue that the RISE Act’s transparency requirements are insufficient, lacking mandates for disclosure of AI systems’ underlying values, biases, or agendas. While the bill’s focus on transparency via technical specifications is a step forward, it falls short of demanding comprehensive disclosures that would empower end-users and regulators alike. Furthermore, the bill does not address liability in scenarios lacking professional intermediaries, such as AI chatbots interacting directly with vulnerable populations, raising unresolved ethical and legal questions.

In contrast to the US’s risk-based approach embodied by the RISE Act, the European Union’s AI Act of 2023 adopts a rights-based framework emphasizing individual empowerment and protection. The EU’s regulatory model requires AI developers to proactively demonstrate compliance with safety and transparency standards before deployment, reflecting a more precautionary stance. Although the EU’s AI liability directive was withdrawn in early 2025, its broader regulatory philosophy prioritizes clear user rights and accountability mechanisms. This contrasts with the RISE Act’s emphasis on process documentation and risk mitigation tools, which focus more on managing developer and professional responsibilities than on guaranteeing concrete rights for affected individuals.

Experts agree that the RISE Act is a constructive initial framework but requires refinement to address its current limitations. Incorporating robust third-party auditing and risk assessments alongside transparency disclosures could mitigate concerns about superficial compliance and false security. Additionally, expanding the bill’s scope to cover direct-to-consumer AI applications and vulnerable user groups would strengthen its protective reach. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of evolving the legislation to balance innovation incentives with public safety and accountability. Clear, unified standards are essential to provide all parties—developers, professionals, and users—with predictable legal obligations and protections, fostering responsible AI adoption across sectors.

The RISE Act marks a significant milestone in US AI regulation by proposing a liability framework that protects developers while demanding professional diligence. Although it lays important groundwork, the bill’s success will depend on enhancing transparency requirements and expanding liability clarity to address AI’s complex risks comprehensively. As AI technologies continue to permeate critical industries, balanced legislation like the RISE Act must evolve to safeguard innovation without compromising public trust and safety.