Sen. Schiff Introduces Human Authority in Lethal Operations Act — Bars Pentagon AI Weapons Use Without Designated Commander Approval and Bans AI Surveillance of Protesters

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Human Authority in Lethal Operations Act on June 8, requiring a designated military commander to hold final authority over any autonomous or semi-autonomous weapons use of force and mandating written records of target-selection decisions for post-action review. The bill also bars the Pentagon from using AI to surveil people engaged in constitutionally protected activities including protests, and prohibits purchasing personal data on Americans in violation of the act. This is distinct from Sen. Gillibrand's Secure and Accountable Military AI Act — which focuses on nuclear mission bans and 15-day congressional notification — representing a second major Democratic bill in June constraining AI in lethal operations.