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HF 406

A bill for an act relating to restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence, and creating a civil cause of action.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aime Wichtendahl

Iowa bill HF 406 restricts AI use and creates civil lawsuits for damages, allowing residents to sue over AI-related harms while imposing compliance obligations on businesses deploying these systems.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
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Bill Summary · HF 406

Legislative bill overview

HF 406 proposes restrictions on artificial intelligence use in Iowa and establishes a civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue for damages related to AI misuse. The bill was introduced by Rep. Aime Wichtendahl and has advanced through subcommittee with a recommendation for passage as of March 5, 2025.

Why is this important

AI regulation is increasingly relevant as these technologies expand into consumer, employment, and governmental applications. This bill represents Iowa's attempt to establish legal accountability mechanisms for AI harms, which could affect businesses deploying AI systems and protect residents from potential negative consequences of automated decision-making.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's specific restrictions on AI use are not detailed in available records, making it unclear whether requirements apply broadly to all AI or target specific high-risk applications, which affects compliance burden on businesses
  • Civil liability framework: Creating a private right of action may generate litigation costs and uncertainty for companies, versus relying on existing consumer protection laws or regulatory enforcement
  • Definitional challenges: AI encompasses diverse technologies with varying risk profiles; overly broad definitions could capture benign applications while narrow ones might miss genuine harms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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